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

Finding the right way to say “Broken Synonyms” can help you describe damage, failure, or emotional distress more accurately. While “broken” is a common and versatile word, synonyms such as damaged, cracked, shattered, defective, fractured, and ruined can better match different situations. Whether you’re writing about a broken object, a malfunctioning device, or someone’s broken spirit, choosing the right alternative makes your writing more precise and engaging. In this guide, you’ll discover 18 other ways to say “broken”, along with their meanings and practical example sentences.

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18 Different Ways to Say BROKEN: Another Word for BROKEN

1. Damaged

Damaged is a common synonym for broken that describes something harmed or impaired but not necessarily beyond repair. It can refer to physical objects, property, equipment, or even a person’s reputation. Unlike shattered, damage suggests that the item may still function or be restored. This word is useful in both everyday conversations and formal writing.

• The package arrived damaged during shipping.
• The storm damaged several houses in the neighborhood.
• His phone was damaged after it fell on the floor.

2. Cracked

Cracked is a useful synonym for broken that describes something with a split or fracture on its surface. It often refers to glass, walls, screens, pottery, or other hard materials that are damaged but may still be in one piece. Unlike shattered, cracked suggests partial damage rather than complete destruction. It can also be used figuratively to describe a weak or strained situation.

• The phone screen was cracked after it slipped from her hand.
• A cracked window let cold air into the room.
• The old vase had a cracked handle but was still usable.

3. Shattered

Shattered is a stronger synonym for broken that describes something completely smashed into many pieces or emotionally devastated. It is often used for fragile objects like glass as well as to express deep emotional pain or disappointment. Shattered adds intensity and creates a vivid, dramatic image.

• The glass shattered when it hit the floor.
• His hopes were shattered after the final results.
• She felt shattered by the unexpected loss.

4. Busted

Busted is an informal synonym for broken that describes something no longer working because it has been damaged. It is commonly used in everyday conversations for machines, electronics, vehicles, or household items. Busted gives your writing a casual, conversational tone.

• My laptop is busted and won’t turn on.
• The old washing machine finally busted after years of use.
• We couldn’t ride our bikes because the chain was busted.

5. Fractured

Fractured is a precise synonym for broken that refers to something cracked or split, especially bones, rocks, or solid materials. It is commonly used in medical, scientific, and technical contexts, but it can also describe damaged relationships or organizations. Fractured suggests a serious break that may require repair or healing.

• The doctor confirmed that he had a fractured wrist.
• The earthquake left the road fractured in several places.
• Years of disagreement fractured their once-close friendship.

6. Defective

Defective is a synonym for broken that describes something with a fault or flaw that prevents it from working properly. Unlike broken, a defective item may have left the factory with a manufacturing problem rather than being damaged through use. It is commonly used for products, equipment, and electronic devices.

• The customer returned the defective blender for a replacement.
• We received a defective part that wouldn’t fit the machine.
• The defective battery caused the device to stop working.

7. Flawed

Flawed is a synonym for broken that describes something with imperfections, defects, or weaknesses that reduce its quality or effectiveness. It is often used for ideas, plans, products, arguments, or designs rather than objects that are physically damaged. Flawed suggests that something is not perfect but may still be useful or functional.

• The report was flawed because it contained several factual errors.
• They discovered a flawed design during testing.
• His argument was flawed and failed to convince the audience.

8. Ruined

Ruined is a strong synonym for broken that describes something so badly damaged or spoiled that it can no longer be used or enjoyed. It can refer to physical objects, plans, experiences, or reputations. Ruined emphasizes that the damage is severe and often difficult or impossible to reverse.

• The heavy rain ruined our picnic.
• He accidentally ruined his favorite shirt with bleach.
• The fire ruined the old wooden cabin.

9. Smashed

Smashed is a vivid synonym for broken that describes something violently hit or crushed into pieces. It is commonly used for glass, electronics, furniture, and other fragile objects. Smashed emphasizes the force of the impact and the extent of the damage, making it a strong choice for dramatic descriptions.

• The vase smashed on the kitchen floor.
• He accidentally smashed his phone while moving furniture.
• The car’s front windshield was smashed in the accident.

10. Wrecked

Wrecked is a strong synonym for broken that describes something severely damaged or destroyed. It is often used for vehicles, buildings, equipment, or plans that have suffered major damage. Wrecked can also describe someone who is physically exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed, making it a versatile word in both literal and figurative contexts.

• The storm wrecked several homes along the coast.
• His car was completely wrecked in the collision.
• After working all night, she felt completely wrecked.

11. Fragmented

Fragmented is a synonym for broken that describes something split into many smaller parts or divided into separate pieces. It can refer to physical objects as well as ideas, systems, groups, or information that lack unity. Fragmented emphasizes separation and disconnection rather than complete destruction.

• The ancient pottery was found in fragmented pieces.
• The report contained fragmented information from different sources.
• Years of conflict left the community fragmented and divided.

12. Deformed

Deformed is a synonym for broken when something has been bent, twisted, or misshapen due to damage or pressure. It is commonly used for objects, materials, and body parts whose original shape has been altered. Unlike broken, deformed emphasizes a change in form rather than a complete break.

• The metal beam was deformed by the intense heat.
• The collision left the car door badly deformed.
• The plastic container became deformed after being exposed to high temperatures.

13. Deteriorated

Deteriorated is a synonym for broken that describes something that has gradually become damaged, weakened, or worn out over time. It is often used for buildings, roads, machinery, health, or relationships rather than sudden physical breaks. Deterioration emphasizes slow decline instead of instant damage.

• The old bridge had deteriorated after decades of exposure to the weather.
• His health deteriorated during the long illness.
• The abandoned house deteriorated without regular maintenance.

14. Impaired

Impaired is a synonym for broken that describes something whose ability to function has been reduced or weakened. It is commonly used for systems, equipment, health, vision, hearing, or mental abilities rather than objects that are physically damaged. Impaired suggests partial loss of function instead of complete failure.

• The accident impaired the vehicle’s braking system.
• Smoke impaired visibility on the highway.
• The flood impaired communication services across the region.

15. Collapsed

Collapsed is a synonym for Broken Synonyms that describes something that has fallen down, caved in, or stopped functioning because it could no longer support itself. It is commonly used for buildings, bridges, structures, businesses, or systems. Collapse emphasizes a complete failure caused by weakness, damage, or pressure.

• The old bridge collapsed after the heavy storm.
• The tent collapsed under the weight of the snow.
• The company’s plans collapsed due to a lack of funding.

16. Malfunctioning

Malfunctioning is a synonym for Broken Synonyms that describes something not working correctly because of a mechanical, electrical, or technical problem. Unlike broken, a malfunctioning device may still operate, but it does not perform as intended. This word is commonly used for machines, appliances, vehicles, and electronic equipment.

• The malfunctioning printer kept producing blank pages.
• A malfunctioning traffic light caused delays during rush hour.
• The technician repaired the malfunctioning air conditioner.

17. Faulty

Faulty is a synonym for Broken Synonyms that describes something with a defect or problem that prevents it from working properly. It is commonly used for machines, electronics, equipment, wiring, and manufactured products. Unlike broken, faulty often suggests the problem is due to a defect or poor performance rather than physical damage.

• The faulty wiring caused the power outage.
• She returned the faulty headphones for a refund.
• The mechanic replaced the faulty engine sensor.

18. Torn

Torn is a synonym for Broken Synonyms that describes something ripped, split, or damaged by being pulled apart. It is most commonly used for fabric, paper, clothing, and similar materials, but it can also describe emotional conflict or divided feelings. Torn emphasizes a tear rather than a complete break.

• His jacket was torn on a sharp fence.
• She found a torn page inside the old book.
• He felt torn between accepting the new job and staying close to his family.

Synonym	Example
Damaged	The damaged phone still worked.
Cracked	The mirror was cracked down the middle.
Shattered	Her confidence was shattered.
Busted	My laptop is totally busted.
Fractured	Their friendship was fractured after the fight.
Defective	The defective charger didn’t power up.
Flawed	His argument was flawed from the start.
Ruined	The rain ruined our decorations.
Smashed	The vase smashed on impact.
Wrecked	The wrecked ship lay at the bottom of the sea.
Fragmented	Her thoughts were fragmented after the shock.
Deformed	The deformed metal looked twisted.
Deteriorated	The old house deteriorated over the years.
Impaired	His impaired vision made it hard to drive.
Collapsed	The bridge collapsed during the flood.
Malfunctioning	The malfunctioning camera missed the shot.
Faulty	The faulty brakes caused the accident.
Torn	The torn paper blew away in the wind.

Final Thoughts

Using the right synonym for “broken” can make your writing more accurate, descriptive, and engaging. While broken is a versatile word, alternatives like shattered, damaged, cracked, fractured, faulty, and malfunctioning help convey different levels and types of damage. Whether you’re describing a physical object, a technical issue, or an emotional setback, choosing the most suitable word adds clarity and impact. Use these 18 other ways to say “broken” to enrich your vocabulary and express your ideas with greater precision.