breathability

English

Etymology

From breathable +‎ -ity or breathe +‎ -ability.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌbɹiː.ðəˈbɪl.ə.ti/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

breathability (countable and uncountable, plural breathabilities)

1. The ability of a fabric (or clothing) to transmit air and moisture.
   • 2021 August 17, Elizabeth Wallace and Kai Burkhardt, “12 breathable face masks to protect you while exercising”, in CNN‎:

     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.

   • 2025 January 3, Kai Burkhardt, “The best rain jackets of 2025, tried and tested”, in CNN‎:

     To find the best rain jacket, we tested everything from waterproofness and breathability to fit, feel and packability.

2. The degree to which air or other substance is suitable for breathing.

   Synonym: inspirability

Translations

ability of fabric to transmit air and moisture

Chinese: Mandarin: 透氣性 / 透气性 (tòuqìxìng) Finnish: hengittävyys Spanish: respirabilidad f

quality of air suitable for breathing

Chinese: Mandarin: 空氣質量 / 空气质量 (kōngqì zhìliàng) Finnish: hengityskelpoisuus German: Atembarkeit f Spanish: respirabilidad f