adj

kaput

kuh-PUUT

Kaput (adj) means Broken, ruined, or no longer working. Example: “The washing machine is kaput again.”

adj

Broken, ruined, or no longer working.

"The washing machine is kaput again."

"Once the engine overheated, the whole car was kaput."

How to use kaput

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCompletely broken or finished — informal way of saying something no longer works.

When to use it

Casual and conversational; not used in formal writing.

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The washing machine is _____ again.

Etymology

Borrowed from German kaputt ("broken"), which came from French capot, a term from the card game piquet describing a player who wins no tricks at all.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What does “kaput” mean?

The word “kaput” means broken, ruined, or no longer working. In plain terms, completely broken or finished — informal way of saying something no longer works.

How do you pronounce “kaput”?

“Kaput” is pronounced kuh-PUUT (/kəˈpʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “kaput” in a sentence?

Here is “kaput” used in a sentence: “The washing machine is kaput again.”

What part of speech is “kaput”?

“Kaput” is an adjective.

Where does the word “kaput” come from?

The word “kaput” comes from French. Borrowed from German kaputt ("broken"), which came from French capot, a term from the card game piquet describing a player who wins no tricks at all.

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