# breathless

/ˈbɹɛθɫəs/ (US) · /bɹˈɛθləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breathless
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having trouble breathing because you are tired or excited. It can also describe a feeling of great wonder or surprise.

For teachers: characterised by difficulty in breathing, typically due to physical exertion, intense emotion, or shock. Often used to describe a state of suspense or awe.

## Examples

- She was breathless after running up the stairs.
- The hikers arrived at the summit breathless but happy to see the view.
- The audience waited in breathless silence as the acrobat prepared for the final, most dangerous stunt of the evening.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used both predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel' and attributively before nouns.

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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.