breathlessness

UK: /ˈbrɛθləsnɪs/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

breath•less /ˈbrɛθlɪs/   adj. 

1. without breath, or breathing with difficulty:
   breathless after running up five flights of stairs.
2. causing loss of breath, as from excitement, fear, etc.:
   a breathless ride.

breath•less•ly, adv.: 

ran up and introduced herself breathlessly.

breath•less•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

breath•less  (breth′lis), adj. 

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.

• Middle English brethles. See breath, -less 1350–1400

breath′less•ly, adv. 
breath′less•ness, n.