'dyspnoeic' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'dys-' and 'pnoia', where 'dys-' meant 'bad, difficult' and 'pnoia' meant 'breath'.

'dyspnoeic' developed via the Late Latin/Medieval Latin form 'dyspnoea' (from Greek 'dys' + 'pnoia') and the adjective form was adopted into modern English as 'dyspnoeic' (with the alternative spelling 'dyspneic' in American English).

Initially it meant 'difficulty or abnormality of breathing', and over time it has retained this core meaning, referring to being short of breath or experiencing breathing difficulty.