Another Word for Broken: 30+ Synonyms for Every Context

Tired of saying “broken” over and over again? There’s a better word for almost every situation. Looking for another word for broken? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re describing a damaged phone, a cracked screen, a malfunctioning machine, or someone feeling emotionally hurt, “broken” doesn’t always say exactly what you mean.

However, the right synonym can instantly make your writing sound clearer and more interesting. In this guide, you’ll discover 30+ useful alternatives to “broken,” along with simple meanings and real-life examples. So, instead of repeating the same word, pick the alternative that fits your situation best.

Pronunciation

Phonetic spelling: uh-NUH-thur WURD fer BROH-kuhn
IPA: /əˈnʌðər wɜːrd fər ˈbroʊkən/
Simple breakdown: an-oth-er word for bro-ken

Syllables

Base word: broken → bro-ken → 2 syllables.

Say “broken” slowly as broh-ken, giving each syllable a clear, natural sound.

Top 5 “Broken Synonyms“

The five most versatile choices are damaged, shattered, cracked, fractured, and ruined. However, each has a slightly different feel, so context matters

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“Another Word for Broken” in Casual Conversations

1. Damaged

“Damaged” is a safe, everyday choice when something has been harmed but may still work. However, it sounds less dramatic than “broken.”

Meanings

• Harmed physically but not necessarily destroyed.
• Reduced in quality, condition, or usefulness.

Examples

• My phone was damaged when I dropped it.
• The box arrived damaged but the gift was fine.

2. Cracked

“Cracked” fits objects with a visible split or line, especially screens, glass, or walls. Therefore, use it when the damage is specific.

Meanings

• Having a split or narrow break.
• Damaged by developing a crack.

Examples

• My tablet screen is cracked.
• The kitchen window cracked during the storm.

3. Shattered

“Shattered” suggests something has broken into many pieces or been completely devastated. As a result, it feels stronger than “damaged.”

Meanings

• Broken violently into several pieces.
• Completely devastated emotionally.

Examples

• The glass shattered on the floor.
• She was shattered by the disappointing news.

4. Busted

“Busted” is informal and friendly, so it works well in casual speech. However, avoid it in formal reports where “damaged” sounds more professional.

Meanings

• Broken or not functioning properly.
• Damaged through force or heavy use.

Examples

• My old headphones are busted.
• The bike got busted during the trip.

5. Ruined

“Ruined” works when something has been damaged so badly that its original purpose, appearance, or value is affected. It often sounds quite strong.

Meanings

• Spoiled or damaged beyond normal use.
• Seriously harmed in quality or condition.

Examples

• Rain ruined my paper project.
• The stain ruined my favorite shirt.

6. Wrecked

“Wrecked” is a casual, forceful alternative, especially for vehicles or badly damaged things. In addition, it can describe someone feeling exhausted.

Meanings

• Severely damaged or destroyed.
• Extremely tired or emotionally drained.

Examples

• The accident left the car wrecked.
• I was completely wrecked after the long day.

7. Faulty

“Faulty” is useful when something has a defect that prevents it from working correctly. Therefore, it fits products, equipment, and systems better than casual objects.

Meanings

• Having a defect or problem.
• Not operating as intended.

Examples

• The store replaced the faulty charger.
• A faulty cable caused the computer problem.

8. Defective

“Defective” sounds more formal than “broken” and usually points to a manufacturing or design problem. However, it is not ideal for accidental damage.

Meanings

• Made with a fault or flaw.
• Failing to meet expected standards.

Examples

• The company recalled the defective product.
• We received a defective keyboard.

9. Fractured

“Fractured” suggests something has split or broken, often in a technical or medical context. Therefore, it is more precise and formal than “cracked.”

Meanings

• Broken or split into parts.
• Structurally damaged through force or pressure.

Examples

• The technician found a fractured component.
• The material fractured under pressure.

10. Splintered

“Splintered” describes wood or another material breaking into sharp fragments. As a result, it gives a more vivid picture than simply saying “broken.”

Meanings

• Broken into thin, sharp pieces.
• Split apart because of force.

Examples

• The wooden chair leg splintered.
• The old fence was splintered by the storm.

11. Smashed

“Smashed” is direct and informal, usually suggesting strong physical force. However, it can sound dramatic, so choose it when the damage is obvious.

Meanings

• Broken forcefully into pieces.
• Heavily damaged by impact.

Examples

• Someone smashed the window.
• His bicycle was smashed in the collision.

12. Ruptured

“Ruptured” is a more technical choice for something that has burst, torn, or split open. Therefore, it suits pipes, containers, and other enclosed structures.

Meanings

• Torn or burst open.
• Split because internal pressure became too great.

Examples

• The old pipe ruptured overnight.
• A ruptured container leaked water.

13. Dented

“Dented” is useful when something has a visible depression but has not necessarily stopped working. In contrast to “shattered,” it usually suggests limited physical damage.

Meanings

• Pushed inward by an impact.
• Marked by a shallow depression.

Examples

• The car door was dented.
• My lunchbox got dented in my backpack.

14. Torn

“Torn” works especially well for paper, fabric, clothing, and similar materials. It describes separation rather than general damage.

Meanings

• Split or ripped apart.
• Damaged by pulling or tearing.

Examples

• My notebook page was torn.
• His jacket was torn during the game.

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15. Splitted

“Splitted” is generally not the standard past form of “split,” so it should not normally replace “broken.” Instead, use split, which is the natural English form.

Meanings

• Divided into separate parts.
• Separated because of pressure or force.

Examples

• The wooden board split down the middle.
• The group split into two teams.

16. Collapsed

“Collapsed” fits structures or systems that fall down or stop functioning because they can no longer support themselves. Therefore, it suggests a major failure.

Meanings

• Fallen down suddenly.
• Failed completely or stopped functioning.

Examples

• The old wall collapsed after the storm.
• The website collapsed under heavy traffic.

17. Malfunctioning

“Malfunctioning” is ideal for machines, electronics, and technical systems that are behaving incorrectly. However, it sounds more technical than everyday “broken.”

Meanings

• Working incorrectly.
• Failing to perform its intended function.

Examples

• The printer is malfunctioning again.
• A malfunctioning sensor caused the alarm.

18. Inoperative

“Inoperative” is formal and precise, especially for equipment, machinery, or official notices. Therefore, it is better suited to professional writing.

Meanings

• Not functioning.
• Unable to perform its normal operation.

Examples

• The elevator is currently inoperative.
• Several machines became inoperative after the outage.

19. Nonfunctional

“Nonfunctional” clearly says that something does not work or serve its intended purpose. As a result, it is especially useful in technical or academic writing.

Meanings

• Unable to operate normally.
• Unable to perform its intended purpose.

Examples

• The website contains several nonfunctional links.
• The old device is completely nonfunctional.

20. Unusable

“Unusable” emphasizes the result of damage rather than the exact cause. Therefore, use it when something can no longer be used effectively.

Meanings

• Not suitable for use.
• Too damaged or unsuitable to serve its purpose.

Examples

• The damaged laptop became unusable.
• The muddy road was temporarily unusable.

21. Out of Order

“Out of order” is a familiar phrase for machines or facilities that cannot currently be used. In addition, it sounds natural on signs and notices.

Meanings

• Not working correctly.
• Temporarily unavailable for normal use.

Examples

• The elevator is out of order.
• The vending machine has been out of order all morning.

22. Inoperable

“Inoperable” means something cannot function or be operated, often because of serious damage. However, it sounds more formal than “not working.”

Meanings

• Unable to function.
• Impossible to operate normally.

Examples

• The vehicle was declared inoperable.
• The damaged equipment is currently inoperable.

23. Disabled

“Disabled” works when a feature, system, or device has been switched off or prevented from functioning. Therefore, it does not always mean physically damaged.

Meanings

• Prevented from operating.
• Temporarily made unavailable.

Examples

• The security feature was disabled.
• The account was disabled after unusual activity.

24. Impaired

“Impaired” suggests reduced function rather than complete failure. As a result, it is useful when something still works but does not perform normally.

Meanings

• Weakened or reduced in effectiveness.
• Functioning below its normal level.

Examples

• The damaged cable has impaired performance.
• Poor visibility impaired the camera’s accuracy.

25. Heartbroken

“Heartbroken” specifically describes intense sadness after emotional loss or disappointment. Therefore, it should not be used for physical objects.

Meanings

• Extremely sad because of emotional loss.
• Deeply hurt by a painful personal experience.

Examples

• She was heartbroken after the breakup.
• He felt heartbroken when his friend moved away.

26. Devastated

“Devastated” communicates very strong emotional distress after something painful happens. However, it is much stronger than simply feeling sad.

Meanings

• Overwhelmed by severe sadness.
• Deeply affected by a major disappointment.

Examples

• I was devastated by the unexpected result.
• They felt devastated after losing the opportunity.

27. Shaken

“Shaken” works when an upsetting event leaves someone emotionally unsettled. In contrast to “heartbroken,” it does not necessarily involve sadness.

Meanings

• Emotionally disturbed by an event.
• Made uncertain or unsettled.

Examples

• She was shaken by the sudden accident.
• I felt shaken after the argument.

28. Damaged

“Damaged” can describe emotional harm when someone has been deeply affected by difficult experiences. However, it can sound harsh when applied directly to a person.

Meanings

• Emotionally harmed by painful experiences.
• Negatively affected in confidence or well-being.

Examples

• The experience left him emotionally damaged.
• Years of criticism had damaged her confidence.

29. Divided

“Divided” fits relationships, groups, communities, or opinions that have been separated by disagreement. Therefore, it describes social separation rather than physical damage.

Meanings

• Separated into different groups.
• Unable to agree or remain united.

Examples

• The disagreement divided the team.
• The issue left the community divided.

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30. Disrupted

“Disrupted” describes something interrupted or thrown away from its normal pattern. As a result, it works well for plans, routines, services, and systems.

Meanings

• Interrupted from normal operation.
• Prevented from continuing smoothly.

Examples

• The storm disrupted our travel plans.
• The outage disrupted business operations.

Quick Guide to Saying Another Word for “Broken” Differently

The Phrase	Best Situation or Audience	Tone or Feeling
Damaged	General damage	Neutral
Cracked	Screens or glass	Specific
Shattered	Severe physical damage	Strong
Busted	Casual speech	Informal
Ruined	Severe spoilage	Direct
Wrecked	Vehicles or heavy damage	Casual
Faulty	Products or equipment	Professional
Defective	Manufacturing issues	Formal
Fractured	Technical damage	Precise
Splintered	Wood or materials	Vivid
Smashed	Heavy impact	Informal
Ruptured	Pipes or containers	Technical
Dented	Surface damage	Neutral
Torn	Fabric or paper	Everyday
Split	Divided materials	Neutral
Collapsed	Structures or systems	Strong
Malfunctioning	Machines	Technical
Inoperative	Equipment	Formal
Nonfunctional	Systems or features	Technical
Unusable	Items that cannot be used	Neutral
Out of order	Machines or facilities	Familiar
Inoperable	Vehicles or equipment	Formal
Disabled	Features or systems	Technical
Impaired	Reduced function	Formal
Heartbroken	Emotional pain	Emotional
Devastated	Major disappointment	Strong
Shaken	Emotional disturbance	Serious
Damaged	Emotional harm	Sensitive
Divided	Groups or relationships	Neutral
Disrupted	Plans or systems	Practical
Compromised	Security or trust	Formal
Disjointed	Ideas or writing	Academic

The Final Talk

“Broken” is one word but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Finding another word for broken becomes much easier once you know exactly what kind of “broken” you mean. For example, cracked works for glass, malfunctioning fits machines, and heartbroken describes emotional pain. Similarly, divided can describe groups, while disjointed works for disconnected ideas.

So, why settle for the same word every time? In this guide, you’ll discover useful alternatives that can make your writing sound clearer, sharper, and more natural. Whether you’re describing damage, failure, separation, or emotions, there’s a better word waiting to fit the situation.

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