non-breathable

USAGE SUMMARY

'non-breathable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that does not allow air to pass through it. For example: "The masks we were given are non-breathable and very uncomfortable to wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We should research potential issues of human health in these highly insulated, air tight, non-breathable buildings," he says.

Independent

The device uses enzymatic sensors integrated into a non-breathable cap instead of breathable culture plugs (Bauer et al. 2012).

AMB Express

Breathable and permeable uniforms would help practitioners keep a comfortable temperature; however, the non-breathable and non-permeable uniforms may become sticky in sweaty conditions and therefore impede practitioners' mobility.

Fashion and Textiles

Like a star ship, it was completely surrounded by a hostile, non-breathable medium.

Vice

Heavy, non-breathable fabrics can trap sweat in between themselves and your skin, making it difficult for the sweat to evaporate and pull moisture away from your body.

Huffington Post

Which they are, as long as you go follow the rules of that aforementioned British class system: People with ponies and long names go to private school, and people who wear non-breathable fabrics and don't know what a "peloton" is go to state school.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To avoid occlusion and maceration of the skin, breathable, non-woven side panels were included in the design of skin-adapted incontinence products.

BMC Geriatrics

Choose a chair with breathable, non-slippery fabric.

WikiHow

The fabric needs to be non-irritating and breathable, so that you can allow the herbs to gently heal the affected area.

WikiHow

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are man-made compounds used during the manufacture of fluoropolymers including non-stick cookware and breathable, yet waterproof, fabrics.

BMJ Open

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluoro-octane sulfonate (PFOS) are two members of the perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) class of chemicals, man-made compounds used in the manufacture of fluoro-polymers, including those used for non-stick cookware and breathable, waterproof fabrics.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, use "non-breathable" to clearly indicate that they do not allow air or moisture to pass through. This is particularly useful in contexts like clothing, construction, and packaging.

Common error

Avoid using "non-breathable" interchangeably with "waterproof". While some non-breathable materials may also be waterproof, the primary characteristic of "non-breathable" is the lack of air permeability, not necessarily water resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non-breathable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe materials or environments that do not allow air to pass through. Ludwig examples show its use in describing fabrics, buildings, and even fictional environments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non-breathable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective to describe materials or environments that do not allow air to pass through. Ludwig's AI confirms this, supported by examples spanning across news, science, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it is important not to confuse it with similar terms like "waterproof". Use "non-breathable" to accurately specify the air impermeability of a substance or space, remembering that while it is acceptable in many contexts, there might be more precise alternatives like "air-impermeable" or "airtight" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

air-impermeable

Focuses specifically on the impermeability to air, highlighting the blockage of air passage.

impermeable to air

Directly states the inability of air to pass through, emphasizing the barrier function.

airtight

Implies a complete seal against air, suggesting no air can enter or escape.

occlusive

Describes something that closes or blocks an opening, often used in medical or cosmetic contexts.

vapor-barrier

Highlights the prevention of moisture or gas transmission.

not porous

Emphasizes the lack of pores or openings that would allow air passage.

non-porous

Similar to "not porous", this term indicates the absence of pores that would allow air to pass.

poorly ventilated

Describes a space or item where air circulation is limited, leading to a lack of fresh air.

stuffy

Suggests a lack of fresh air and a sense of confinement.

claustrophobic

Describes an environment that feels enclosed and restrictive, often causing discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "non-breathable" in a sentence?

You can use "non-breathable" to describe materials that don't allow air to pass through, such as "The cheap raincoat was made of a "non-breathable" fabric that made me sweat".

What are some alternatives to "non-breathable"?

Alternatives include "air-impermeable", "airtight", or "occlusive", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "non-breathable" or "not breathable"?

"Non-breathable" is generally preferred as a more concise and established term, though "not breathable" is also grammatically correct. Using "non-breathable" tends to sound more technical and professional.

What is the difference between "non-breathable" and "waterproof"?

"Non-breathable" refers to a material's inability to allow air or moisture to pass through, while "waterproof" refers to its ability to repel water. A material can be both, but they are distinct properties. For example, plastic sheeting is often "non-breathable" and waterproof.