Top 34 Slang For Heartbreaking – Meaning & Usage

Heartbreak is a universal experience that often leaves us at a loss for words. In this article, we delve into the world of heartbreak and explore the various slang terms that people use to describe this complex and emotional phenomenon. From the gut-wrenching to the bittersweet, we’ve got you covered with a curated list that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of heartbreak. So grab a tissue and get ready to dive into the language of love and loss.

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1. Gut-wrenching

This term describes something that is so emotionally intense and painful that it feels as though your insides are being twisted or torn apart.

For example, “The gut-wrenching scene in the movie left the audience in tears.”
A person might say, “The news of her sudden death was absolutely gut-wrenching.”
Someone might describe a heartbreakingly sad story as “a gut-wrenching tale of love and loss.”

2. Soul-crushing

This phrase describes something that is so emotionally devastating that it feels as though it is crushing your very soul.

For instance, “Losing the championship game was a soul-crushing defeat.”
A person might say, “The rejection letter from my dream job was soul-crushing.”
Someone might describe a long-term failure as “a series of soul-crushing disappointments.”

3. Heart-wrenching

This term describes something that is so emotionally powerful and heartbreaking that it feels as though it is twisting or pulling at your heart.

For example, “The heart-wrenching story of a lost child touched the hearts of many.”
A person might say, “Watching her say goodbye to her dying father was truly heart-wrenching.”
Someone might describe a tragic love story as “a heart-wrenching tale of star-crossed lovers.”

4. Tearjerker

This term refers to something, such as a movie or a story, that is designed to evoke strong emotions and bring tears to the eyes.

For instance, “The romantic comedy was a real tearjerker, with its bittersweet ending.”
A person might say, “I always cry when I watch that tearjerker of a movie.”
Someone might describe a sad song as “a real tearjerker that brings back memories.”

5. Crushed

This term describes a feeling of being completely overwhelmed by sadness or disappointment, as if you have been physically or emotionally crushed.

For example, “When she broke up with him, he felt absolutely crushed.”
A person might say, “Failing the exam really crushed her spirits.”
Someone might describe a devastating loss as “a crushing blow to their hopes and dreams.”

6. Shattered

When something is shattered, it means it is completely broken or destroyed. This term is often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they are devastated or heartbroken.

For example, “Her dreams were shattered when she didn’t get the job.”
A person might say, “I felt shattered when my partner ended our relationship.”
Another might describe a heartbreaking event as, “It was a shattered moment that changed everything.”

7. Devastated

To be devastated means to be overwhelmed with grief or sadness. It is often used to describe the intense emotional pain someone feels after experiencing a heartbreaking event.

For instance, “She was devastated when she found out her best friend had betrayed her.”
A person might say, “I was devastated when I lost my job.”
Another might describe a devastating loss as, “It felt like my whole world was crumbling.”

8. Heartrending

Heartrending refers to something that causes great sadness or distress. It is often used to describe a situation or event that is deeply heartbreaking.

For example, “The movie’s heartrending ending left the audience in tears.”
A person might say, “The news of the tragedy was absolutely heartrending.”
Another might describe a heartrending story as, “It was a tale of love and loss that left me feeling emotionally drained.”

9. Heartbreaking

When something is heartbreaking, it means it causes intense sadness or emotional pain. It is often used to describe a situation or event that is deeply saddening.

For instance, “The sight of the abandoned puppy was absolutely heartbreaking.”
A person might say, “It was heartbreaking to watch her dreams crumble.”
Another might describe a heartbreaking loss as, “I felt a deep, heartbreaking ache in my chest.”

10. Heartache

Heartache refers to emotional pain or distress, especially when caused by a heartbreaking event or situation. It is often used to describe the intense emotional suffering someone feels.

For example, “She couldn’t bear the heartache of losing her loved one.”
A person might say, “I’m still dealing with the heartache of my failed relationship.”
Another might describe the pain of unrequited love as, “It’s a constant heartache that never seems to fade.”

11. Sorrowful

This word describes a feeling of deep sadness or grief. It is often used to express a sense of sorrow or heartbreak.

For instance, “Her face was filled with sorrow when she heard the news.”
In a poem about lost love, the writer might use the word “sorrowful” to convey the depth of their emotions.
A person might say, “I felt sorrowful when I realized I had lost my wallet.”

12. Desolate

Desolate describes a feeling of emptiness and loneliness. It is often used to describe a place or a person’s emotional state when they are heartbroken or devastated.

For example, “After the breakup, her apartment felt desolate and cold.”
A person might describe their state of mind as desolate, saying, “I feel so desolate without them.”
In a song about lost love, the lyrics might express, “My heart is desolate without you.”

13. Melancholic

Melancholic describes a state of being gloomy and sad. It is often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they are experiencing deep sadness or heartbreak.

For instance, “She sat alone in her room, listening to melancholic music.”
A person might say, “I feel so melancholic after the loss of a loved one.”
In a novel about unrequited love, the author might describe the protagonist as having a melancholic disposition.

14. Bleak

Bleak describes a situation or feeling that is hopeless and depressing. It is often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they are experiencing heartbreak or despair.

For example, “The rainy weather matched her bleak mood.”
A person might say, “After losing her job, she felt like her future was bleak.”
In a poem about a broken relationship, the poet might describe the aftermath as a bleak landscape.

15. Doomed

Doomed describes a feeling of being destined for failure or unhappiness. It is often used to describe a person’s emotional state when they are experiencing heartbreak or a sense of impending doom.

For instance, “She felt doomed to a life of loneliness after the breakup.”
A person might say, “Their relationship was doomed from the start.”
In a story about unrequited love, the narrator might describe their feelings as doomed and hopeless.

16. Tormented

To be tormented means to be deeply distressed or anguished. It refers to a state of extreme emotional pain or suffering.

For example, a person might say, “I was tormented by the loss of my loved one.”
In a discussion about personal struggles, someone might share, “I feel tormented by my past mistakes.”
A character in a novel might be described as “tormented by unrequited love.”

17. Despairing

Despairing refers to a feeling of complete loss of hope or optimism. It describes a state of deep sadness or discouragement.

For instance, a person might say, “I felt despairing after failing my exam.”
In a conversation about a difficult situation, someone might express, “I’m feeling so despairing right now.”
A character in a movie might be portrayed as “despairing over the loss of a loved one.”

18. Crestfallen

To be crestfallen means to be extremely disappointed or discouraged. It describes a state of feeling deflated or defeated.

For example, a person might say, “I was crestfallen when I didn’t get the job.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might admit, “I feel crestfallen that all my hard work went to waste.”
A character in a play might be depicted as “crestfallen after being rejected by their crush.”

19. Wounded

To be wounded means to be deeply hurt or emotionally injured. It refers to a state of feeling pain or anguish.

For instance, a person might say, “I feel wounded by the betrayal of my friend.”
In a conversation about a breakup, someone might share, “I’m still feeling so wounded from the end of my relationship.”
A character in a novel might be described as “wounded by the loss of a loved one.”

20. Aching

Aching refers to a deep emotional pain or longing. It describes a state of yearning or craving for something or someone.

For example, a person might say, “I have this aching feeling in my heart for my hometown.”
In a discussion about unfulfilled dreams, someone might express, “I have this constant aching for something more.”
A character in a song might sing about “aching for the love they lost.”

21. Agonizing

This term describes something that causes intense physical or emotional pain. It is often used to describe situations that are extremely difficult to bear or endure.

For example, “Watching her suffer from a terminal illness was agonizing.”
A person might say, “Going through a breakup can be agonizing, especially when you still have feelings for the other person.”
Another might describe a heartbreaking loss as, “The agonizing feeling of losing a loved one is indescribable.”

22. Heart-rending

This phrase is used to describe something that deeply affects or saddens a person. It refers to an experience or situation that tears at the heart and evokes strong emotions.

For instance, “The heart-rending scene in the movie made everyone in the theater cry.”
A person might say, “Reading about the devastating impact of natural disasters is truly heart-rending.”
Another might describe a tragic event as, “The heart-rending news of the accident spread quickly throughout the community.”

23. Painful

This word is a simple and straightforward way to describe something that causes discomfort or distress. It can refer to both physical and emotional pain.

For example, “The painful memories of her childhood haunted her.”
A person might say, “Breaking a bone can be a very painful experience.”
Another might describe a difficult breakup as, “Going through a painful breakup can take a toll on your emotional well-being.”

24. Crushing

This term is used to describe something that feels overwhelming or devastating, often emotionally. It conveys a sense of heaviness, as if a weight is pressing down on a person.

For instance, “Receiving the news of her father’s death was absolutely crushing.”
A person might say, “Failing the exam was a crushing blow to his confidence.”
Another might describe a heartbreaking disappointment as, “Not getting the job offer was a crushing defeat.”

25. Tear-jerking

This phrase is used to describe something, such as a movie or a story, that is so emotionally powerful it brings tears to one’s eyes. It refers to a deeply touching or poignant experience.

For example, “The ending of the movie was incredibly tear-jerking.”
A person might say, “Reading the heartfelt letter brought a tear-jerking moment.”
Another might describe a touching reunion as, “Their tear-jerking embrace after years of separation moved everyone in the room.”

26. Mournful

This word expresses deep sadness or sorrow. It is often used to describe a feeling of deep grief or mourning.

For example, “She looked mournful after hearing the news of her friend’s passing.”
A person might say, “The mournful melody of the song brought tears to my eyes.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might comment, “The photos from the scene are absolutely mournful.”

27. Disheartening

This word describes something that causes a loss of hope or enthusiasm. It refers to a situation or event that is dispiriting or demoralizing.

For instance, “Receiving a rejection letter from your dream job can be disheartening.”
A person might say, “It is disheartening to see the destruction caused by natural disasters.”
In a conversation about current events, someone might comment, “The rise in poverty rates is truly disheartening.”

28. Dismal

This word describes something that is depressing or dreary. It refers to a situation or atmosphere that is dark and lacking in hope or positivity.

For example, “The weather forecast predicts a dismal weekend with constant rain.”
A person might say, “The state of the economy is looking quite dismal.”
In a discussion about a disappointing outcome, someone might comment, “The team’s performance in the game was dismal.”

29. Grief-stricken

This word describes someone who is overwhelmed with grief or sorrow. It refers to a person who is deeply affected by a loss or tragedy.

For instance, “After the sudden death of her pet, she was grief-stricken.”
A person might say, “The grief-stricken mother couldn’t stop crying at her child’s funeral.”
In a conversation about a heartbreaking event, someone might comment, “The whole community was grief-stricken after the tragic accident.”

30. Anguished

This word describes someone who is experiencing intense mental or emotional pain. It refers to a person who is suffering greatly and is filled with anguish.

For example, “Her anguished cries could be heard throughout the house.”
A person might say, “The anguished father pleaded for the safe return of his missing child.”
In a discussion about a heartbreaking situation, someone might comment, “The anguished look on her face said it all.”

31. Wrenching

This term describes something that causes intense emotional pain or distress. It conveys the idea of something being twisted or torn apart.

For example, a heartbroken person might say, “The breakup was wrenching, I can’t stop thinking about it.”
A movie reviewer might describe a sad scene as, “The film’s wrenching climax left audiences in tears.”
When discussing a tragic event, someone might say, “The stories of loss and grief were wrenching to hear.”

32. Tearjerking

This slang term refers to something that is so emotionally powerful that it brings tears to the eyes. It implies that the subject matter is deeply touching or sad.

For instance, a person might describe a sad movie as, “It was a real tearjerker, I cried throughout the whole thing.”
A heartbroken individual might say, “Reading his love letters always brings back tearjerking memories.”
When talking about a touching story, someone might say, “The book is filled with tearjerking moments that will leave you emotionally drained.”

33. Devastating

This term describes something that is extremely distressing or overwhelming. It conveys a sense of immense emotional pain or destruction.

For example, a person might say, “The news of her death was devastating, I couldn’t believe it.”
When discussing a heartbreaking loss, someone might say, “The devastation of losing a loved one is indescribable.”
A heartbroken individual might describe their feelings as, “I’m still trying to recover from the devastating breakup.”

34. Tragic

This term describes something that is extremely sad or unfortunate. It conveys a sense of deep sorrow or grief.

For instance, a person might say, “It’s a tragic story of love and loss.”
When discussing a sad event, someone might say, “The accident was a tragic and senseless loss of life.”
A heartbroken individual might describe their situation as, “It’s a tragic end to a once beautiful relationship.”