Have you ever heard someone describe an old computer, broken appliance, or failed plan as kaput? The word may sound playful, but its meaning is quite straightforward. Kaput describes something that is broken, ruined, finished, or no longer working. In English, it’s an informal expression that can apply to physical objects as well as plans, efforts, or situations that have come to an abrupt end.
For example, you might say, “My laptop is kaput” when it suddenly stops working. You could also say, “Our vacation plans are kaput” when an unexpected problem forces you to cancel them. The word often adds a touch of humor or dramatic emphasis, making it more expressive than simply saying something is broken or unsuccessful. Its casual tone makes it especially common in everyday conversations and informal writing.
Although kaput comes from a foreign expression, it has become an established part of the English vocabulary. Its meaning has remained closely tied to the idea of something being finished, defeated, or beyond use. Whether you’re talking about a dying laptop, a failed project, or plans that have completely fallen apart, kaput offers a short and colorful way to say that something is effectively done for.
Quick Answer: What Does “Kaput” Mean?
Kaput means broken, ruined, finished, or no longer working. It’s usually used informally to describe a machine, object, plan, agreement, relationship, or situation that has stopped functioning or fallen apart.
For example:
- “My old phone is kaput.” = My phone no longer works.
- “The deal is kaput.” = The deal has fallen apart.
- “Our plans are kaput.” = Our plans have been ruined or canceled.
- “I’m completely kaput.” = I’m extremely tired or exhausted.
The exact meaning depends on the context.
What Does “Kaput” Mean?
Kaput is an adjective meaning broken, ruined, finished, or no longer functioning.
The word commonly describes something that has reached the end of its usefulness. It can refer to a physical object, such as a car or computer, but it can also describe an abstract thing, such as a plan, agreement, or relationship.
Consider these examples:
“The washing machine is kaput.”
Here, kaput means the washing machine has stopped working.
“Our business deal went kaput.”
In this sentence, kaput means the deal failed or fell apart.
“After hiking all day, I was completely kaput.”
Here, kaput means extremely tired or worn out.
So, while “broken” is one of its most common meanings, kaput has a wider range of informal uses.
Kaput Definition at a Glance
| Word | Information |
| Word | Kaput |
| Part of speech | Adjective |
| Pronunciation | kuh-POOT |
| Basic meaning | Broken, ruined, finished, or no longer functioning |
| Register | Informal |
| Common uses | Objects, machines, plans, deals, projects, relationships, energy |
| Origin | German kaputt |
The word usually carries a sense of finality. If something has gone kaput, it isn’t merely having a minor problem. It has effectively stopped working, failed, or come to an end.
Is “Kaput” a Real English Word?
Yes. Kaput is a recognized English word, not merely a piece of slang someone invented for casual conversation.
English borrowed the word from German. The German adjective kaputt means broken, ruined, or damaged. English speakers adopted the term and eventually established the spelling kaput in English.
Today, English dictionaries include kaput as an adjective. It appears in ordinary informal speech and writing, particularly when speakers want to make a statement sound vivid or slightly humorous.
For example, saying:
“The engine is broken.”
sounds straightforward and neutral.
Saying:
“The engine is kaput.”
sounds more colorful and conversational.
That difference matters. Kaput is perfectly understandable English, but it isn’t the best choice for every situation.
Where Does the Word “Kaput” Come From?
The English word kaput comes from the German kaputt, which means broken, ruined, or destroyed.
The English form developed after the German word entered broader English usage. The spelling became simplified to kaput, while the pronunciation also adapted to English speech.
Its history is interesting because the word has retained much of its original basic idea. In both languages, the concept centers on something being broken, ruined, or rendered useless.
However, modern English has expanded the word’s informal use. English speakers can apply kaput to things that aren’t literally broken.
For example:
- A computer can be kaput.
- A car engine can be kaput.
- A business deal can go kaput.
- A plan can be kaput.
- A relationship can be kaput.
- A person’s energy can be kaput.
This figurative flexibility is one reason the word remains useful.
How Do You Pronounce “Kaput”?
Kaput is generally pronounced kuh-POOT.
The second syllable receives the stronger stress.
You can remember it as:
kuh + POOT
For example:
“My printer has gone kaput.”
The word should sound natural and emphatic, especially when you’re describing something that has suddenly stopped working.
How Is “Kaput” Used in a Sentence?
The most common construction is to use kaput after a linking verb such as is or was. You can also use the expression “go kaput” to describe something suddenly stopping or failing.
Kaput for a Broken Object
One of the most common uses of kaput involves machines, electronics, appliances, and other objects.
For example:
“My laptop is kaput.”
This means the laptop no longer works.
You could also say:
“The refrigerator finally went kaput.”
Here, went kaput suggests that the refrigerator stopped functioning.
Other examples include:
- “The old printer is completely kaput.”
- “My headphones went kaput yesterday.”
- “The washing machine looks like it’s kaput.”
- “Our air conditioner is kaput again.”
- “The battery is kaput.”
In these examples, kaput provides a casual alternative to broken, dead, or nonfunctional.
Kaput for a Failed Plan or Arrangement
You don’t have to use kaput for physical objects. It can also describe plans and arrangements that have failed.
For example:
“Our plans for the weekend are kaput.”
This means the plans have been ruined or can no longer happen.
You might use the word when bad weather cancels an outdoor event, when transportation problems disrupt travel, or when an unexpected problem destroys an arrangement.
For example:
“The storm knocked out the power, so our movie night is kaput.”
The movie night isn’t physically broken. Instead, the plan has become impossible.
Kaput for a Failed Deal or Project
Businesses and organizations can also use kaput informally to describe something that has collapsed.
For example:
“The merger went kaput after the negotiations failed.”
This means the proposed merger fell apart.
Likewise:
“The project was kaput when the company lost its funding.”
In this context, kaput suggests failure or termination rather than physical damage.
Kaput for Something That Has Ended
The word can also describe something that has effectively come to an end.
For example:
“Their partnership was kaput after the disagreement.”
Here, kaput means the partnership was over.
This usage often sounds more dramatic than simply saying ended. That’s part of the word’s personality.
“Kaput” vs. “Broken”: What’s the Difference?
Kaput and broken overlap, but their tone differs.
Broken is neutral and extremely versatile. You can use it in casual conversation, professional communication, technical writing, and formal explanations.
Kaput is more informal and expressive.
| Word | Meaning | Tone |
| Broken | Not functioning correctly | Neutral |
| Kaput | Completely broken, finished, or unusable | Informal, expressive |
| Inoperative | Not functioning | Formal/technical |
| Defunct | No longer operating or existing | Formal |
Compare these sentences:
“The computer is broken.”
This sounds factual.
“The computer is kaput.”
This sounds more conversational and slightly playful.
If you’re writing a technical report, broken or nonfunctional will usually fit better. If you’re chatting with a friend about an ancient laptop that finally died, kaput works beautifully.
“Kaput” vs. “Finished”: What’s the Difference?
The words kaput and finished can overlap, but they don’t always mean the same thing.
Finished often means something has reached completion.
For example:
“The project is finished.”
That could be positive. The project might have been successfully completed.
But:
“The project is kaput.”
suggests that the project has failed, collapsed, or been abandoned.
That’s an important distinction.
| Sentence | Likely meaning |
| “The work is finished.” | The work has been completed. |
| “The work is kaput.” | The work has failed, ended, or become impossible. |
So, kaput usually carries a negative sense, while finished can be either positive or negative.
“Kaput” vs. “Out of Order”: What’s the Difference?
Out of order generally describes a machine, facility, or system that isn’t currently functioning.
For example:
“The elevator is out of order.”
This sounds like a standard notice.
You could also say:
“The elevator is kaput.”
That sounds informal and conversational.
The bigger difference is flexibility. Kaput can describe abstract situations, while out of order usually works best for physical equipment or systems.
You can say:
“Our agreement went kaput.”
But you wouldn’t normally say:
“Our agreement is out of order.”
That would sound unnatural.
Synonyms for “Kaput”
The best synonym depends on what you’re describing.
Broken
Use broken for an object that doesn’t work properly.
“My computer is broken.”
Ruined
Use ruined when something has been damaged or made unusable.
“The rain ruined our plans.”
Finished
Use finished when something has ended, particularly when context makes the negative meaning clear.
“Their partnership is finished.”
Done For
Done for is an informal phrase suggesting that something is unlikely to recover or survive.
“That old car is done for.”
Defunct
Defunct is more formal and commonly describes an organization, system, business, or institution that no longer operates.
“The company is now defunct.”
Inoperative
Inoperative works well in technical or formal contexts.
“The security system is currently inoperative.”
Nonfunctional
Nonfunctional clearly indicates that something isn’t functioning.
“The device is nonfunctional.”
Wrecked
Wrecked suggests serious physical damage or destruction.
“The car was completely wrecked.”
Failed
Failed works particularly well for plans, systems, attempts, and projects.
“The experiment failed.”
Out of Order
Out of order commonly describes machines or equipment that aren’t working.
“The elevator is out of order.”
The key point is that kaput has no single perfect replacement in every sentence. Its informal tone and broad meaning make it slightly distinctive.
Is “Kaput” Formal or Informal?
Kaput is generally informal.
You can use it in everyday conversations, casual messages, humorous writing, and informal commentary. However, it may sound too playful or imprecise in highly formal contexts.
For example, this sentence works naturally in conversation:
“My old laptop finally went kaput.”
But a technical report would more likely say:
“The laptop is no longer operational.”
Similarly, a business document might use terminated, discontinued, or unsuccessful rather than kaput.
When “Kaput” Works Well
Use kaput when you’re:
- Talking with friends.
- Writing an informal message.
- Describing a broken appliance casually.
- Making a humorous observation.
- Talking about failed plans.
- Using conversational language.
When to Choose Another Word
Choose a more precise alternative for:
- Legal documents.
- Academic papers.
- Technical reports.
- Formal business correspondence.
- Official notices.
- Professional documentation.
The word isn’t wrong in formal writing. It simply may not match the expected register.
Is “Kaput” Professional or Polite to Say?
Yes, kaput is generally polite, but it’s informal.
The word doesn’t contain an insult or offensive meaning. Still, context matters. Calling a complex professional project “kaput” during a serious meeting could sound flippant.
For example:
“The entire proposal is kaput.”
That might sound humorous among coworkers.
A more formal version would be:
“The proposal is no longer viable.”
The second sentence communicates the same general idea with greater precision and professionalism.
So, the issue isn’t politeness. It’s mainly tone and register.
Can “Kaput” Describe People?
Yes, but this use requires context.
You can use kaput informally to describe someone’s energy or physical state.
For example:
“After working all day, I’m completely kaput.”
Here, kaput means extremely tired or exhausted.
This usage is casual and often slightly humorous.
You can also encounter the word in figurative descriptions of someone’s career, influence, or prospects. However, directly calling a person “kaput” can sound dismissive or exaggerated.
Compare:
“I’m kaput after that workout.”
This sounds harmless and conversational.
With:
“His career is kaput.”
This suggests that his career has effectively ended.
The context changes the meaning substantially.
Common Expressions and Patterns With “Kaput”
Several sentence patterns occur naturally with kaput.
“Go Kaput”
Go kaput means to stop working, fail, or fall apart.
“The dishwasher went kaput last night.”
This construction works especially well when something suddenly stops functioning.
“Be Kaput”
You can simply use kaput after a linking verb.
“The old printer is kaput.”
This describes its current condition.
“Completely Kaput”
Adding completely emphasizes the finality.
“The engine is completely kaput.”
It suggests that the object isn’t merely experiencing a minor problem.
“Plans Are Kaput”
This figurative construction describes plans that have been ruined or abandoned.
“Our beach plans are kaput because of the storm.”
“The Deal Went Kaput”
This means a deal or agreement fell apart.
“The negotiations went kaput after the final disagreement.”
These patterns show why kaput remains useful despite its informal character.
Common Mistakes With “Kaput”
Treating “Kaput” as a Verb
Kaput is normally an adjective.
You can say:
“The machine is kaput.”
Or:
“The machine went kaput.”
You generally shouldn’t treat kaput like a regular verb by writing something such as “I kaputed the machine.”
The normal grammatical pattern uses be, go, or another suitable verb with kaput functioning as an adjective.
Using “Kaput” in Highly Formal Writing
The word isn’t grammatically incorrect in formal writing, but it can sound overly casual.
Instead of:
“The system is kaput.”
A technical document might say:
“The system is no longer operational.”
The second version communicates the condition more precisely.
Assuming It Only Means “Broken”
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.
Kaput can mean more than physically broken.
It can describe something that is:
- Broken
- Ruined
- Finished
- Failed
- Exhausted
- No longer viable
- No longer functioning
The surrounding sentence tells you which meaning applies.
Confusing “Kaput” With “Kaputt”
Kaput is the established English form, while kaputt is the German spelling.
They’re closely related, but English usage has its own spelling, pronunciation, and grammatical conventions.
“Kaput” in Everyday English: Examples by Context
The meaning becomes much easier to understand when you see the word across different situations.
| Context | Example | Meaning |
| Technology | “My phone is kaput.” | The phone doesn’t work. |
| Appliances | “The dryer went kaput.” | The dryer stopped functioning. |
| Vehicles | “The engine is kaput.” | The engine has failed. |
| Plans | “Our travel plans are kaput.” | The plans have been ruined. |
| Business | “The deal went kaput.” | The deal failed. |
| Projects | “The project is kaput.” | The project has ended or failed. |
| Relationships | “Their partnership is kaput.” | The partnership has ended. |
| Energy | “I’m completely kaput.” | I’m extremely tired. |
Notice the common thread: something has reached a point where it can no longer continue as expected.
A Closer Look: How Context Changes “Kaput”
Imagine three people using the same word.
The first person says:
“My car is kaput.”
They’re probably talking about a mechanical failure.
The second says:
“Our dinner plans are kaput.”
They’re talking about a canceled or ruined arrangement.
The third says:
“I’m kaput.”
They’re probably saying they’re exhausted.
The word stays the same, but context supplies the specific meaning.
That’s common in natural English. A single adjective can develop several closely connected meanings when speakers use it metaphorically.
15 Example Sentences With “Kaput”
Here are natural examples showing the word in different contexts:
- “My old computer finally went kaput.”
- “The coffee maker is completely kaput.”
- “Our air conditioner went kaput during the hottest week of summer.”
- “The car’s engine appears to be kaput.”
- “The storm left our weekend plans kaput.”
- “The business deal went kaput after months of negotiations.”
- “Their partnership is officially kaput.”
- “The project was kaput after the funding disappeared.”
- “My phone is practically kaput.”
- “The printer went kaput five minutes before the presentation.”
- “Our picnic plans are kaput because of the rain.”
- “The old heating system is finally kaput.”
- “After carrying furniture all afternoon, I was completely kaput.”
- “The proposed agreement went kaput at the last minute.”
- “Once the main supplier withdrew, the entire plan was kaput.”
These examples demonstrate the word’s central idea: something has stopped working, failed, ended, or become unusable.
Read More: Which vs. Witch – What’s the Difference?
Kaput vs. Broken: A Simple Comparison
If you’re unsure whether to use kaput or broken, consider the tone you want.
| If you want to sound… | Better choice |
| Neutral | Broken |
| Technical | Nonfunctional / inoperative |
| Formal | Defunct / failed / terminated |
| Casual | Kaput |
| Playful | Kaput |
| Very precise | Context-specific alternative |
For everyday conversation, kaput can add personality.
For formal communication, a more precise word usually communicates your meaning more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kaput mean in simple words?
Kaput means broken, ruined, finished, or no longer working. It can describe objects, plans, deals, relationships, and even someone’s energy.
Is kaput a slang word?
Kaput is informal rather than standard formal vocabulary. It has a conversational, expressive quality, but dictionaries recognize it as an established English adjective.
Is kaput a German word?
The English word kaput comes from the German kaputt, meaning broken or ruined. English adopted and adapted the term into its own vocabulary.
Is kaput formal or informal?
Kaput is informal. It works naturally in everyday conversation and casual writing, but terms such as nonfunctional, inoperative, failed, or defunct may fit formal contexts better.
What is another word for kaput?
Depending on context, alternatives include broken, ruined, finished, failed, defunct, inoperative, nonfunctional, wrecked, and out of order. The best choice depends on what has gone kaput and the tone you want.
Conclusion
So, what does kaput mean? It means broken, ruined, finished, or no longer functioning. You can use it literally for a dead computer or broken appliance, or figuratively for failed plans, collapsed deals, ended relationships, and even extreme tiredness. Because kaput has an informal and slightly playful tone, it’s particularly useful in everyday English when you want more personality than the plain word broken provides.
