breathless

American  

[breth-lis] / ˈbrɛθ lɪs /

adjective

1. without breath or breathing with difficulty; gasping; panting.

   We were breathless after the steep climb.

2. with the breath held, as in suspense, astonishment, fear, or the like.

   breathless listeners of the mystery story.

3. causing loss of breath, as from excitement, anticipation, or tension.

   a breathless ride.

4. dead; lifeless.

5. motionless or still, as air without a breeze.

   a breathless summer day.

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breathless British  

/ ˈbrɛθlɪs /

adjective

1. out of breath; gasping, etc

2. holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc

   a breathless confrontation

3. (esp of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling

4. rare lifeless; dead

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Other Word Forms

• breathlessly
  adverb
• breathlessness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of breathless

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathless is from the Middle English word brethles. See breath, -less

Example Sentences

Researchers say blood pressure and blood sugar control improve for 24-48 hours after a workout that pushes you hard enough to become breathless for several minutes.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

They said they become breathless during long conversations and cannot walk and talk at the same time.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Although I no longer get breathless when talking, thanks to voice therapy, I lose my voice completely if I speak for too long.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

The podcasting industry has been embracing video at a breathless pace, to a degree where audio-only shows are becoming the exception rather than the norm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

When she looked up, breathless, Yishan was standing like a mountain between her and the crowd of soldiers.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin