broken-down

[broh-kuhn-doun] / ˈbroʊ kənˈdaʊn /

ADJECTIVE

dilapidated

Synonyms

STRONGEST

battered decrepit ramshackle run down

WEAK

bedraggled deteriorated falling apart in disrepair infirm neglected old seedy shabby threadbare unsound

Antonyms

STRONGEST

good healthy

WEAK

intact solid sound sturdy well-kept

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

LeBron James is now a fancy hood ornament on a broken-down jalopy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

A van driver who crashed into a broken-down car in a smart motorway's fast lane has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

When there is no hard shoulder drivers who get into trouble are meant to aim for refuge areas located at regular points, but broken-down cars can sometimes be left stranded in a live lane.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Redeveloping Venezuela’s broken-down oil infrastructure will cost tens of billions of dollars at least, and companies likely want assurances their investments will be worth it long-term.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

I always just took the broken-down sectors of Chicago in stride, as evidence of what happens when people are without community.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

broken-down

Example Sentences

Related Words