adjective
Common
cracked
krakt
Cracked (adjective) means Broken so that a line or split has formed, without falling completely apart. Example: “The cracked mug leaked tea all over the kitchen counter.”
adjective
1
Broken so that a line or split has formed, without falling completely apart.
"The cracked mug leaked tea all over the kitchen counter."
"The ice on the pond was cracked but still held our weight."
"The cracked phone screen still worked but looked terrible."
2
Slang: pirated software, or, in gaming slang, extremely skilled.
"Our new teammate is absolutely cracked at this game."
"He downloaded a cracked version of the software for free."
"That player is cracked — he wins every match."
3
Informal: crazy or eccentric.
"Everyone thought he was cracked for climbing the hill in slippers."
"She's a bit cracked, but she makes everyone laugh."
"That's a cracked idea if I've ever heard one."
How to use cracked
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDamaged with a crack, or, in slang, either pirated software or someone extremely good at a game.
When to use it
The gaming-skill and pirated-software senses are informal internet slang.
Common pairings
cracked screen
cracked software
absolutely cracked
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more cracked
- Superlative
- most cracked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ mug leaked tea all over the kitchen counter.
Etymology
See crack. The origin of the slang sense “skilled (at a game)” is disputed, but may derive from the much older term crack shot (“one who is skilled at shooting”). Compare cracking, crackerjack.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cracked
See all rhymes for cracked →Frequently asked questions
What does “cracked” mean?
The word “cracked” means broken so that a line or split has formed, without falling completely apart. In plain terms, damaged with a crack, or, in slang, either pirated software or someone extremely good at a game.
How do you pronounce “cracked”?
“Cracked” is pronounced krakt (/kɹækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cracked” in a sentence?
Here is “cracked” used in a sentence: “The cracked phone screen still worked but looked terrible.”
What part of speech is “cracked”?
“Cracked” is an adjective.
Is “cracked” a common word?
“Cracked” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cracked” have?
“Cracked” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: broken so that a line or split has formed, without falling completely apart.
What is the difference between cracked and broken?
A cracked object has a visible split or line running through it but is still in one piece — a cracked phone screen usually still works. A broken object has come apart or stopped working altogether. Cracked is, in effect, an earlier or milder stage of broken.
Why do gamers say someone is cracked?
In gaming slang, "cracked" means extremely, almost unbelievably skilled — usually describing aim or reflexes in shooter games. It is a compliment: saying someone is "cracked at Valorant" means they are outstandingly good, not that anything is wrong with them.
Is calling a person cracked an insult or a compliment?
It depends on context. The older informal sense means crazy or eccentric, so it can be teasing or insulting. In modern gaming slang, however, it is strong praise for exceptional skill.
Is it legal to use cracked software?
Cracked software has had its copy protection or licensing removed so it can be used without paying. Downloading or using it generally infringes copyright law, and cracked copies are a common source of malware, so it is risky both legally and practically.
