What does hairbreadth mean?
A hairbreadth is an exceptionally tiny distance, often the narrow margin separating one outcome from another. The expression “by a hairbreadth” is particularly common and describes something that almost happened: a shot that narrowly missed the target, a race lost by a fraction of a second, or a decision reached by the smallest possible margin. The word can also appear in phrases such as “a hairbreadth away” and “a hairbreadth escape.” Although it literally evokes the breadth of a single hair, its figurative use is more important in modern English. It is especially effective for conveying suspense, near failure, and the sudden importance of minute differences. The word appears in both British and American English and can be used in journalism, literature, sport, politics, and everyday speech.
nounAn extremely small distance or amount, especially the narrow margin between success and failure. It is especially common in the expression “by a hairbreadth.”
- An extremely small distance or amount, especially a narrow margin between success and failure or between two outcomes.
"The goalkeeper missed the ball by a hairbreadth."
"The election was decided by a hairbreadth."
"The climber came within a hairbreadth of reaching the summit."
The plural is possible but uncommon; the word is usually encountered in the singular, especially in the idiom “by a hairbreadth.”
"The final two results were separated by hairbreadths."
A hairbreadth is the tiny distance between triumph and disaster—and it is often where the most dramatic stories happen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hairbreadth come from?
Hairbreadth is a compound of “hair” and “breadth,” originally suggesting the width of a hair as an extremely small measurement. Its figurative sense developed from that literal image of minimal distance. “Breadth” and “broad” belong to the same Germanic root, while “hair” is the other direct element of the compound.
How hairbreadth is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is especially idiomatic in “by a hairbreadth.” It commonly describes a near miss, narrow escape, or extremely small margin.