busted
word
/ˈbəstɪd/
BUH-stid
/bˈʌstɪd/
BUH-stid
Definition
'Busted' is an informal word meaning broken or not working, or caught doing something wrong. The exact meaning depends on the situation.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in informal speech, especially in American English. Often used for machines or body parts ('My phone is busted', 'My knee is busted') and for being caught ('You’re busted'). Strongly casual; avoid it in formal writing.
Spanish: roto - averiado - pillado (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): quebrado - estragado - pego (informal)Portuguese (PT): partido - avariado - apanhado (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 坏了的 - 被抓住的Chinese (Traditional): 壞掉的 - 被抓到的Hindi: टूटा हुआ - खराब - पकड़ा गयाArabic: مكسور - معطّل - ممسوك (عامية)Bengali: ভাঙা - ধরা পড়াRussian: сломанный - застуканныйJapanese: 壊れた - バレたVietnamese: hỏng - bị bắt quả tangKorean: 고장난 - 들킨Turkish: bozuk - yakalanmışUrdu: ٹوٹا ہوا - پکڑا گیاIndonesian: rusak - ketahuan
Example Sentences
My bike is busted.
basic
The TV is busted, so we can't watch anything.
basic
You copied my answers? You're busted.
basic
I dropped my phone, and now the screen is totally busted.
natural
We tried to sneak in, but the security guard busted us right away.
natural
After moving all weekend, my back is completely busted.
natural