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breakthrough

break-THROO /ˈbreɪkˌθruː/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

formalprofessional

A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development that overcomes a significant obstacle.

While a discovery might be accidental, a breakthrough usually implies a proactive effort that finally 'breaks through' a barrier of ignorance or technical limitation.

The story behind the word. Originally a military term from the early 20th century, it described the act of an army forcing its way through an enemy's defensive line. By the 1930s, it migrated into science and business to describe overcoming intellectual or technical barriers.

Word relationships

milestone: A milestone is a significant stage in a process, while a breakthrough is a sudden leap forward.
discovery: A discovery is finding something that already existed; a breakthrough is overcoming a hurdle.

setback: A setback is a reversal of progress, whereas a breakthrough is a major advance.

Commonly confused with

innovation: Innovation is the general process of improvement; a breakthrough is a specific, high-impact event.

Word family

break through (verb): To force a way through a barrier.

Collocations

major breakthrough
scientific breakthrough
technological breakthrough
achieve a breakthrough

Example sentences

"The discovery of the structure of DNA was a major breakthrough in the field of genetics." Scientific Discovery
"The company's new battery technology represents a significant breakthrough for electric vehicles." Business Strategy

Memory hook

Imagine a literal wall of problems being smashed through by a giant hammer of logic. Breaking through the wall of 'impossible'.

When not to use

Avoid using it for minor improvements; it should be reserved for shifts that change the status quo.

Fun facts

The term became popular in medical reporting during the mid-20th century antibiotic revolution.