breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "breakthrough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "breakthrough" to refer to a major accomplishment, usually involving a difficult problem. For example: The research team was celebrating their breakthrough in finding a cure for the disease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have a long way to go, but this bipartisan blueprint is a major breakthrough," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.).

The Washington Post

We're not at the finish line yet, but this is a bipartisan breakthrough," Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I ., the leaD-R.I .or of the leadsponsor, said in a statement.

The Washington Post

"Breakthroughs in 3-D Reconstruction and Motion Analysis," one day course at ICRA03 (co-organized with Jana Kosecka), Taipei, Taiwan, September 14-19, 2003.

University of California, Berkeley

To overcome the limitation of implementing a 3-D structure using essentially 2-D fabrication techniques, a breakthrough in the 2-D planar ion trap where all electrodes are laid in the same plane was proposed [54-57] [54-57]

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

Where V(S) stands for the breakthrough sulfur capacity and D stands for the metal dispersion.

Applied Petrochemical Research

A breakthrough occurred when a D-xylose isomerase was discovered in an anaerobic fungus and this D-xylose isomerase was successfully expressed in S. cerevisiae[ 11, 12].

Biotechnology for Biofuels

"We've seen big name artists like Avicii and Bjork do some breakthrough things with 3-D video," Wojcicki said.

Los Angeles Times

"If this agreement is what the administration says it is, it is a major, historic diplomatic breakthrough," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California.

Los Angeles Times

"This is a major breakthrough," state Sen. Lois Wolk (D), one of the bill's co-authors, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Huffington Post

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

The New York Times

Ding, ding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "breakthrough" for minor advancements; reserve it for developments with substantial impact.

Common error

Don't label every new finding as a "breakthrough". Use more modest terms like "improvement", "progress", or "development" for incremental changes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "breakthrough" is as a noun, often used to describe a sudden and significant advancement or discovery. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and frequent usage in this capacity, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "breakthrough" functions as a noun used to denote a significant advancement or discovery. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and very common usage across various fields, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. While suitable for formal writing, be mindful of overusing it to maintain its impact. As Ludwig's examples show, "breakthrough" is a powerful word to describe moments of significant progress and innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major advancement

Replaces "breakthrough" with a more general term for progress.

significant discovery

Focuses on the aspect of finding something new and important.

groundbreaking achievement

Emphasizes the innovative and pioneering nature of the accomplishment.

major step forward

Highlights progress and movement toward a goal.

revolutionary development

Implies a transformative and far-reaching change.

innovative leap

Stresses the creative and inventive aspect of the progress.

pioneering innovation

Focuses on being the first to introduce a new and effective method.

watershed moment

Indicates a turning point with lasting consequences.

game-changing event

Emphasizes the impact of the event on altering the course of action.

pathfinding success

Highlights the successful navigation of a new and challenging area.

FAQs

How can I use "breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "breakthrough" to describe a significant advance or discovery, such as "The scientist announced a major breakthrough in cancer research" or "The company achieved a technological breakthrough with its new product".

What are some alternatives to "breakthrough"?

Some alternatives to "breakthrough" include "major advancement", "significant discovery", and "groundbreaking achievement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "breakthrough" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a significant advancement. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term, as overuse can diminish its impact.

What is the difference between "breakthrough" and "improvement"?

"Breakthrough" refers to a sudden, significant advance or discovery, while "improvement" refers to a gradual enhancement or refinement. A breakthrough represents a qualitative leap, while an improvement is a quantitative progression.