# breathtaking

/ˈbɹɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /bɹˈɛθteɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breathtaking
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. beautiful or impressive

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely beautiful or amazing to look at.

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

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

### 2. shocking or surprising

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking.
- The pianist gave a breathtaking performance that left the entire audience in silence for several seconds after the final note.
- While the architecture of the city is impressive, it is the breathtaking scale of the surrounding canyons that truly humbles the first-time visitor.

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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.