out of breath

Idioms  

1. Breathing with difficulty, panting, gasping. For example, After five flights of stairs I'm out of breath. This slightly hyperbolic term (since literally running out of breath means one is dead) dates from the late 1500s. Also see catch one's breath.

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Example Sentences

The activity needs to be strenuous enough to leave you noticeably out of breath.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

AQ points are earned whenever physical activity raises your heart rate enough to make you slightly out of breath.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

"Travelling abroad plus the costs involved to run around a bit and get out of breath is a stretch for me," said one former participant on Reddit.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

I wanted people to notice that it sounds like she’s getting out of breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

Mama is out of breath when she gets to the top of the stairs, and I’m panting a bit myself.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan