busted
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Broke; having no money.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I'd like to help you, but I'm busted.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Caught in the act of doing something one shouldn't do.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
Extremely ugly.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “busted” mean?
Broke; having no money.
Is “busted” formal or informal?
busted is generally slang.