IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
breathtaking
adjective/ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“breathtaking” is a Band 7 adjective that means astonishingly beautiful or impressive. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Astonishingly beautiful or impressive.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
- “We watched a breathtaking sunset.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
stunningspectacularawe-inspiring
Antonyms
dullunremarkable
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
breathtaking viewsbreathtaking scenery
Common phrases
absolutely breathtaking
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “breathtaking” mean?
Astonishingly beautiful or impressive.
How do you use “breathtaking” in a sentence?
For example: “The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
What are some synonyms for “breathtaking”?
Synonyms include stunning, spectacular, awe-inspiring.
Is “breathtaking” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as breathtaking views, breathtaking scenery help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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