English Reference
adjective

breathtaking

adj.
US /ˈbɹɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/ UK /bɹˈɛθteɪkɪŋ/ breath·tak·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely beautiful or amazing to look at.

    stunningly beautiful or impressive; often used to describe landscapes, views, or artistic performances.

    Simple

    The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.

    In context

    The hikers paused at the ridge to admire the breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped peaks stretching toward the horizon.

    Usage

    usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'look'.

    unimpressivedullordinary
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    very surprising or shocking, often because of someone's boldness or a lack of shame.

    astonishingly bold or shocking in degree; frequently used to describe negative qualities like arrogance or hypocrisy.

    Simple

    The company showed a breathtaking lack of concern for its customers.

    In context

    The politician's breathtaking hypocrisy was immediately called out by the press during the morning briefing.

    Usage

    often used in a critical or evaluative context.

The surface of Mars is home to some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes in the solar system.

Phys.org· 22 Aug 2026

They cut off roads, bulldoze lands and cut down trees." The speed of change here is breathtaking.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

From breath + taking.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated