Breathless
/ˈbrɛθləs/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
Unable to breathe easily; gasping for air.
/ˈbrɛθləs/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Short of breath; gasping.
She ran so fast she became breathless.
💡 Simply: Not able to breathe easily.
More Examples
2
The climb left him breathless.
How It's Used
Medical
"The patient was breathless after the strenuous exercise."
Sports
"The runner crossed the finish line, breathless but victorious."
2
Overwhelmed with excitement or amazement.
/ˈbrɛθləs/
adjectivepositiveIntermediate
General
Extremely excited or amazed.
The news left them breathless.
💡 Simply: Very excited or surprised.
More Examples
2
The beauty of the scenery left her breathless.
How It's Used
Literary
"She was breathless with anticipation for the upcoming concert."
Tip:Imagine being so excited you forget to breathe.
From Middle English *breþles, from Old English *brēþlēas, from brēþ ‘breath’ + -lēas ‘-less’.
The word has been used in similar ways for centuries, often describing physical exertion and intense emotion.
Memory tip
Think of 'breath' and 'less' - less breath.
Practice
Base: breath
breath lessbreathlessly
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written