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.

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

McKechnie - who once said he treats "broken-down athletes who are almost like reclamation projects" - had discovered Hargreaves' knee issues were caused by pelvic instability and therefore got him working to strengthen his core.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

From his second-floor apartment that overlooked a stretch of road in Sylmar lined with broken-down RV’s, Vincent Wolf fumed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

He pushed constitutional reforms aimed at preventing any future slide into authoritarian rule, and to overhaul a "completely broken-down" system of public administration.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

From that moment, we’re comfortable again, sitting on the broken-down fence.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

broken-down

Example Sentences

Related Words