Meanings
plural breathabilities
- countableuncountableThe ability of a fabric (or clothing) to transmit air and moisture.
To find the best rain jacket, we tested everything from waterproofness and breathability to fit, feel and packability.
2025 January 3, Kai Burkhardt, “The best rain jackets of 2025, tried and tested”, in CNN1 more example
If you’re looking for the most breathable mask, Lukovics says, “Cotton is preferable, mainly for absorbing moisture/sweat.” She says multiple layers may be more protective but will also impact breathability.
2021 August 17, Elizabeth Wallace and Kai Burkhardt, “12 breathable face masks to protect you while exercising”, in CNN - countableuncountableThe degree to which air or other substance is suitable for breathing.
Synonyms: inspirability
Synonyms & antonyms
nounThe degree to which air or other substance is suitable for breathing.
Origin
From breathable + -ity or breathe + -ability.
Full word history & related roots →Translations
Chinese Mandarin 透氣性 /透气性, 空氣質量 /空气质量
- 透氣性 /透气性 (tòuqìxìng)ability of fabric to transmit air and moisture
- 空氣質量 /空气质量 (kōngqì zhìliàng)quality of air suitable for breathing
Finnish hengittävyys, hengityskelpoisuus
- hengittävyysability of fabric to transmit air and moisture
- hengityskelpoisuusquality of air suitable for breathing
German Atembarkeit
- Atembarkeitquality of air suitable for breathing
Spanish respirabilidad, respirabilidad
- respirabilidadability of fabric to transmit air and moisture
- respirabilidadquality of air suitable for breathing
Cite this entry
breathability. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/breathability
“breathability.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/breathability. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “breathability,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/breathability.
Source: breathability on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.