Phrase guide

thin air

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌθɪn ˈɛə(ɹ)/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An unknown location; (by extension) apparent disappearance or nonexistence.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, humorous, idiomatic, uncountable, usually

Examples

  • Where did you think the exhaust would go? Into thin air?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see thin, air, (especially, low-density air as a result of high altitude).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • You'll need to stay mindful of taking breaks, drinking water, and avoiding overexertion up here, because you're dealing with thin air at this altitude.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

nowhere to be found in a giant void

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • it vanished into thin air

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: nothingness, void, nullity, nihility

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.