Standard Lemma guide

unbreathable

adj · 2 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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1

adj

Meaning 1

Not suitable for breathing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The atmosphere on Venus is an unbreathable mixture of carbon dioxide and sulphuric acid, amongst other things.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: irrespirable

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Not letting air seep through.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • an unbreathable fabric

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English un- Middle English breethder. Middle English brethen English breathe Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dhlom Proto-Indo-European *-dhlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English breathable English unbreathable From un- + breathable.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: hengityskelvoton — not suitable for breathing
  • French: irrespirable — not suitable for breathing
  • Italian: irrespirabile — not suitable for breathing
  • Polish: nie do oddychania — not suitable for breathing
  • Portuguese: irrespirável — not suitable for breathing
  • Spanish: irrespirable — not suitable for breathing
  • Finnish: hengittämätön — not letting air seep through
  • Polish: nieoodychający — not letting air seep through