broken-down

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.

A van driver who killed the passenger of a broken-down car on a smart motorway where the safety alert system was malfunctioning has been given a suspended sentence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

Nominated seven times for an Academy Award, Duvall won lead actor honors in 1983 for his role as Mac Sledge, a broken-down country singer in the film “Tender Mercies.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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

“She even bought me this beautiful set of Samsonite—powder blue, all matching. Because she’d had to borrow old, broken-down suitcases from relatives, and that made her feel so bad and worthless.”

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English