# asthmatic

/æzˈmætɪk/ (US) · /æsmˈætɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asthmatic
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

having asthma, a health problem that makes it hard to breathe at times.

For teachers: affected by asthma, a chronic condition that narrows the airways and causes wheezing and shortness of breath. Often describes people, symptoms, or breathing linked to that condition.

## Examples

- My brother is asthmatic and uses an inhaler daily.
- The school nurse keeps a spare inhaler for asthmatic pupils who forget theirs during PE lessons.
- Her asthmatic wheeze grew louder in cold air, so she paused on the stairs to steady her breathing before continuing.

## Usage notes

- Often follows 'be' ('is asthmatic') or comes before a noun ('asthmatic symptoms').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.