broken-down

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   no longer working because of mechanical failure

   A broken-down truck blocked one lane of the bridge.

2. 2
   adj

   dilapidated, neglected, or in very poor condition

   They took shelter in a broken-down shed at the edge of the field.

3. 3
   adj

   physically or emotionally exhausted and weakened

   After weeks without rest, he looked broken-down and ill.

The attributive adjective developed from the past participle of break down. Its mechanical sense was extended to neglected objects and weakened people.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images