Looking for synonyms for out of breath? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say out of breath.
- Breathless
- Panting
- Gasping
- Wheezing
- Huffing
- Puffing
- Short of breath
- Winded
- Exhausted
- Gasp for air
- Out of puff
- Respiratory distress
- Struggling for breath
- Asphyxiated
- Gulping for air
Want to learn how to say out of breath professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Breathless
Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing someone who is unable to catch their breath, often after physical exertion.
Example: “After climbing the steep hill, the hikers were breathless.”
2. Panting
Appropriate Use: Best for situations where someone is breathing quickly and shallowly, especially after exertion.
Example: “He arrived panting at the meeting room, having run all the way from the train station.”
3. Gasping
Appropriate Use: Ideal for describing the act of taking in breaths sharply and loudly, often due to exhaustion or shock.
Example: “After the intense workout, she was gasping for air.”
4. Wheezing
Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations where someone is making a rattling, breathing sound, often related to asthma or respiratory conditions.
Example: “He was wheezing after the long jog, indicating he might need his inhaler.”
5. Huffing
Appropriate Use: Used to describe heavy or labored breathing, often after exertion or due to frustration.
Example: “She was huffing with annoyance as she climbed the stairs with the heavy boxes.”
6. Puffing
Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing short, quick breaths, typically after physical effort.
Example: “The delivery person was puffing after carrying the packages up four flights of stairs.”
7. Short of Breath
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where someone is having difficulty breathing normally, often due to physical exertion or a medical condition.
Example: “During the hike, he became short of breath and needed to rest.”
8. Winded
Appropriate Use: Best for describing the loss of breath, especially due to an impact or sudden exertion.
Example: “She felt winded after the sprint to catch the departing bus.”
9. Exhausted
Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations where someone is extremely tired, often accompanied by heavy breathing.
Example: “After the marathon, he was completely exhausted and out of breath.”
10. Gasp for Air
Appropriate Use: Ideal for dramatic situations where someone is struggling to breathe.
Example: “After swimming several laps, she surfaced, gasping for air.”
11. Out of Puff
Appropriate Use: Used colloquially to describe being out of breath, typically after physical activity.
Example: “The children were out of puff after playing soccer all afternoon.”
12. Respiratory Distress
Appropriate Use: Suitable for medical or emergency situations where someone is having severe difficulty in breathing.
Example: “The patient was in respiratory distress and required immediate medical attention.”
13. Struggling for Breath
Appropriate Use: Best for describing situations where someone is having a significant difficulty breathing.
Example: “After the allergic reaction, she was struggling for breath.”
14. Asphyxiated
Appropriate Use: Suitable in medical or extreme contexts where someone is unable to breathe or is suffocating.
Example: “In the smoke-filled room, he felt asphyxiated and desperately needed fresh air.”
15. Gulping for Air
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where someone is trying to take in large breaths of air, often after being submerged in water or after intense exertion.
Example: “After diving into the cold water, he emerged gulping for air.”
