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

My inbox started filling up with the supposedly groundbreaking news early Tuesday, breathless news articles about a biological breakthrough that will allow a long-extinct giant bird to walk the Earth in modern times.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

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

From 1-0 down to 2-1 up, from deep concern to utter bedlam in 18 breathless minutes.

From BBC • May 4, 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

Karli was breathless now, stumbling ever more often, wheezing and coughing almost constantly.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo