Breakthrough
/ˈbreɪkθruː/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A sudden, significant, and important discovery or achievement.
/ˈbreɪkθruː/
nounpositiveIntermediate
General
A significant and sudden advance
The new drug represents a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
💡 Simply: A big success or discovery.
More Examples
2
Her performance was a breakthrough moment in her career.
How It's Used
Science
"The scientist's research resulted in a major breakthrough in cancer treatment."
Politics
"Negotiations reached a breakthrough, leading to a peace agreement."
From the verb "break" and "through", reflecting a forceful overcoming of an obstacle.
The word's usage has increased significantly in the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting the accelerated pace of scientific and technological advancements.
Memory tip
Think of breaking through a barrier.
Practice
breaktroughbrakethrough
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written