broken down adjective7 •No longer in working order; broken. •Which has broken down and, as a result, is no longer in working order.And a broken-down train and the severe weather temporarily shut the line between Dawlish and Exeter St Davids. — 2021 •Not properly maintained; neglected. •Of a horse, no longer useful for work or riding due to illness or infirmity. •Ruined in character or strength. •Ruined in character or strength. •Separated into component parts; decomposed; disassembled; deconstructed. formsmore broken down · more broken-down · most broken down · most broken-down