broken home: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, semi-formal, journalistic, psychological/sociological discourse.
Quick answer
What does “broken home” mean?
A family in which the parents are divorced or separated, resulting in a fragmented household structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A family in which the parents are divorced or separated, resulting in a fragmented household structure.
A family environment characterized by dysfunction, conflict, or the absence of one or both parents, often associated with negative emotional or social effects on children.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and understood identically in both varieties. There is no distinct lexical or structural alternative.
Connotations
Equally negative and potentially stigmatising in both cultures. Associated with social policy discussions, psychology, and media reporting.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in sociological/governmental discourse historically, but the gap has narrowed. American English uses it heavily in pop psychology and media.
Grammar
How to Use “broken home” in a Sentence
[Person/Child] + from/comes from/grew up in + a broken homeThe [concept/effects] + of + a broken homeA broken home + can lead to/cause/result in + [outcome]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broken home” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – The term is a compound noun, not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – The term is a compound noun, not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – The term itself is not an adjective. The adjectival form is 'from a broken home', e.g., 'broken-home children' is possible but clunky.
American English
- N/A – The term itself is not an adjective. The adjectival form is 'from a broken home', e.g., 'broken-home kids' is possible but journalistic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in HR discussions about employee background very informally.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, and social work literature, though often flagged as a loaded term. Used to discuss correlations with outcomes.
Everyday
Used in conversation, often with a sympathetic or judgemental tone. Common in media (films, news, talk shows).
Technical
Used in social services, counselling, and legal contexts concerning child welfare, but with awareness of its connotations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broken home”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broken home”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broken home”
- Using it as an adjective directly before a person: 'He is a broken-home child' (awkward). Correct: 'He is a child from a broken home.'
- Confusing it with 'broken household', which is less idiomatic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be perceived as offensive or stigmatising because it labels a family structure as 'broken' or damaged. More neutral terms like 'single-parent family' or 'separated parents' are often preferred in sensitive or formal contexts.
Traditionally, the term strongly implies parental separation or divorce, not bereavement. A home where a parent has died would more likely be called a 'bereaved home' or described as such. The 'broken' metaphor hinges on a deliberate split.
A 'broken home' specifically describes the structure (parents separated/divorced). A 'dysfunctional family' describes behaviour and relationships (conflict, abuse, poor communication) and can occur in structurally 'intact' families. They often overlap but are not synonymous.
'Broken family' is a common and widely understood variant, especially in everyday speech. 'Broken home' is slightly more idiomatic and fixed in formal/sociological contexts, but they are largely interchangeable.
A family in which the parents are divorced or separated, resulting in a fragmented household structure.
Broken home is usually formal, semi-formal, journalistic, psychological/sociological discourse. in register.
Broken home: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊ.kən ˈhəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊ.kən ˈhoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A chip on his shoulder from a broken home.”
- “The classic tale of a kid from a broken home making good.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a home literally 'broken' into two pieces, like a broken plate, with the family split apart.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FAMILY IS A STRUCTURE (that can be broken, fractured, or intact).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'broken home' considered most appropriate today?