18 Other Ways to Say BROKEN | Broken Synonyms (Examples)

Something that’s broken doesn’t always mean shattered—it could be damaged, cracked, or not working right. Words like fractured, busted, and defective can help describe it better depending on the situation. Whether it’s a gadget, heart, or promise, there’s always a word that fits perfectly. In this article, let’s explore 18 ways to say broken with examples.

18 Different Ways to Say BROKEN: Another Word for BROKEN

1. Damaged

When something is damaged, it means it’s been hurt, harmed, or spoiled but might still function a little. This word fits when an object isn’t completely useless but isn’t perfect anymore. You can use it for physical things, relationships, or even reputations. It’s softer than saying something’s destroyed. Great for describing wear and tear.

• The box arrived damaged, but the contents were fine.
• His damaged pride stopped him from apologizing.
• The damaged painting was still displayed in the gallery.

2. Cracked

Cracked is ideal when something has a visible break but hasn’t fallen apart completely. It’s often used for glass, walls, or even voices. The word shows a flaw that could get worse over time if ignored. You can also use it metaphorically to describe emotions or plans. It adds a sense of fragility.

• The window was cracked after the storm.
• Her voice cracked while she was speaking.
• The cup had a cracked rim but still held water.

3. Shattered

Shattered goes beyond just broken—it means something’s completely destroyed or emotionally crushed. It’s great for describing glass, dreams, or feelings. When something is shattered, it can’t easily be fixed. It adds intensity and emotion to your sentence. This word paints a dramatic image and is often used in storytelling.

• The glass shattered into tiny pieces.
• His dreams were shattered after losing the competition.
• She felt shattered after hearing the bad news.

4. Busted

Busted is a fun and informal way to say something’s broken or not working right. It’s commonly used for electronics, cars, or even rules when someone gets caught. It adds personality to your sentence and sounds conversational. It’s perfect for describing situations where something suddenly stops functioning.

• My phone is busted again; it won’t turn on.
• He got busted sneaking out late at night.
• The busted AC made the summer unbearable.

5. Fractured

Fractured works beautifully for both literal and emotional breaks. It describes something that’s split but still partly whole—like bones, relationships, or agreements. The word carries a more serious tone, showing that the damage might need time and care to heal. It’s often used in both physical and emotional contexts.

• He suffered a fractured arm during the game.
• The team’s trust was fractured after the argument.
• The fractured stone statue was carefully restored.

6. Defective

Something defective means it has a fault or flaw from the start. It’s the best word when referring to products, machines, or systems that don’t function as they should. It doesn’t mean destroyed but rather not up to standard. It’s often used in professional or technical settings.

• The defective toaster stopped working after one use.
• A defective sensor caused the car to malfunction.
• They recalled the defective batch of phones.

7. Flawed

Flawed highlights imperfection rather than destruction. It means something has mistakes or weaknesses that prevent it from being perfect. It’s great for describing people, ideas, or objects. It doesn’t mean something is useless—just not ideal. This word can show humanity or realism in your descriptions.

• The plan was flawed but still worked.
• She’s brilliant but deeply flawed.
• The flawed design caused confusion.

8. Ruined

When something’s ruined, it’s beyond repair. This word adds finality and often sadness. It can describe physical damage or emotional situations like ruined friendships or plans. It implies something has lost all value or beauty. It’s a strong choice when you want to emphasize irreversible harm.

• The rain ruined our picnic.
• His reputation was ruined after the scandal.
• The old painting was ruined by moisture.

9. Smashed

Smashed is powerful and vivid—it means something has been hit hard and destroyed. It’s often used for objects, but you can use it figuratively too. It gives a clear sense of impact and action, making your writing lively and expressive. It’s a word full of energy and motion.

• The bottle smashed on the floor.
• He smashed his record in the race.
• The car was smashed in the crash.

10. Wrecked

Wrecked is ideal for describing total damage or destruction. It can apply to cars, ships, homes, or even emotions. When something’s wrecked, it’s left in ruins. It carries a dramatic tone and can be used to show devastation or exhaustion. Great for both literal and figurative use.

• The storm wrecked several houses.
• He looked wrecked after working all night.
• The wrecked car was towed away.

11. Fragmented

Fragmented suggests something that’s been broken into pieces or divided. It’s often used for ideas, memories, or systems rather than physical objects. The word gives a feeling of disconnection and incompleteness. It’s perfect when describing situations where unity has been lost.

• The group’s communication became fragmented.
• Her fragmented thoughts made it hard to focus.
• The fragmented remains of the pottery were displayed.

12. Deformed

When something is deformed, it has lost its normal shape. This word emphasizes change in appearance rather than complete destruction. It’s often used for physical objects or even natural formations. It can also apply to situations that turned out strangely. It’s descriptive and slightly dramatic.

• The deformed metal twisted in the fire.
• The sculpture looked oddly deformed.
• The deformed tree grew sideways.

13. Deteriorated

Deteriorated is used when something has slowly become worse over time. It’s not an instant break but a gradual decline. You can use it for health, buildings, or conditions. It shows aging, neglect, or wear. It’s a great word for describing change over time.

• His health deteriorated after the accident.
• The deteriorated wall needs repainting.
• Their friendship deteriorated due to distance.

14. Impaired

Impaired means limited or weakened in some way. It’s often used for senses or abilities rather than objects. The word shows a loss of full function without total failure. It’s polite and often used in formal settings. It can describe both physical and mental states.

• His vision is impaired after the surgery.
• The impaired signal caused the delay.
• Her hearing is slightly impaired.

15. Collapsed

Collapsed means something has fallen down or given way completely. It’s strong and visual, great for describing structures, systems, or even people fainting. It shows sudden failure or exhaustion. The word gives a sense of finality and power.

• The roof collapsed after heavy rain.
• The company collapsed due to bad management.
• He collapsed from heat exhaustion.

16. Malfunctioning

Malfunctioning is perfect for machines or systems that aren’t working properly. It doesn’t mean broken beyond repair—just not operating as intended. It’s often used in tech, mechanics, or electronics. The word sounds technical but relatable.

• The printer is malfunctioning again.
• The malfunctioning alarm went off randomly.
• They fixed the malfunctioning door sensor.

17. Faulty

Faulty is similar to defective but can also mean unreliable or inconsistent. It’s best for products, machinery, or reasoning. It shows something isn’t performing correctly but might still function sometimes. It’s often used when talking about responsibility or quality.

• The faulty wiring caused the fire.
• His faulty logic ruined the debate.
• The faulty phone battery overheated.

18. Torn

Torn describes something that’s ripped or pulled apart. It’s commonly used for fabric, paper, or emotions. It shows a clear split but not total destruction. You can also use it to express emotional conflict. It’s both physical and poetic.

• The torn letter was unreadable.
• Her dress was torn at the seam.
• He felt torn between two choices.

Final Thoughts

There are countless ways to say broken, and each synonym adds its own shade of meaning. Whether it’s describing emotions, machines, or situations, picking the right word can express exactly what you feel or see. Using these 18 alternatives makes your writing stronger and more expressive.