discontinuity

USAGE SUMMARY

'discontinuity' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun used to describe an interruption or lack of continuity. For example, "The drastic change in policy caused discontinuity between the two administrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To which unfortunate island this paper devoted its immediately following editorial, without noticing any discontinuity.

The Economist

Some firms manage to do that, but the data show an enormous discontinuity in the distribution of wage changes at zero.As a result, firms end up sacking lots of workers.

The Economist

She skilfully depicts the discontinuity between the bursting emotions of men's interior life and the choked, inarticulate bleating that expresses them or fails to.

The Economist

The next ten will be years of political discontinuity.

The Economist

Even so, he is convinced that the time has come to try because of a fundamental "technology discontinuity": the shift from the internal-combustion engine to electric drive.The proportion of electronics that makes up the cost of a new car has shot up from very little to perhaps a quarter.

The Economist

For the boss of Studebaker at the turn of the century, switching from making horse-drawn carriages to making cars was not an obvious move when in the previous five years New Yorkers had bought 350,000 carriages and only 125 cars.Silicon Valley has already survived one "technological discontinuity", the jump from the mainframe to the personal computer.

The Economist

The attack on the Reinhart-Rogoff analysis showed that the authors had made a mistake in the figures that led them to identify a "discontinuity" in growth rates when public debt reaches a 90% of GDP threshold.

The Economist

For him, this new network is to Cisco what the Internet was to Microsoft: a significant discontinuity that creates opportunities for newcomers.

The Economist

"Reduced practice time and discontinuity affect offences more severely than defences," Mr Tanier wrote, paraphrasing Warren Spahn.

The Economist

This leads to discontinuity and short-term thinking.Power at a priceThe withdrawal from Iraq will ease some of the pressures but not all.

The Economist

Since 1980, power has alternated between the Left Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, a pattern of discontinuity blamed for contributing to the state's lack of economic progress.Analysts say the results in West Bengal and Kerala will strengthen the Left's hand in Delhi.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, clarify the type of "discontinuity" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it's a technological, political, or mathematical discontinuity.

Common error

Avoid using "discontinuity" when you actually mean "disagreement" or "disparity". "Discontinuity" specifically refers to a break in sequence or consistency, not a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The word "discontinuity" functions primarily as a noun. It describes a state or instance of lacking continuousness or cohesion. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discontinuity" is a noun signifying a break or lack of continuity, regularity, or sequence. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. When using this word, clarify the type of discontinuity to avoid ambiguity. While often negative, it can also describe necessary shifts. Related terms include "break in continuity" and "gap in sequence". The high frequency and diverse application make "discontinuity" a valuable term across numerous disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break in continuity

Emphasizes the interruption of a continuous state or process.

gap in sequence

Highlights a missing element or interval within an ordered series.

lack of regularity

Focuses on the absence of consistent patterns or predictable behavior.

interruption

Describes a temporary cessation or disturbance in an ongoing activity.

rupture

Suggests a sudden and forceful break or separation.

hiatus

Indicates a pause or gap in a series or sequence.

interval

Implies a space or period between two points or events.

disconnection

Highlights a lack of connection or communication between elements.

fracture

Suggests a split or crack in a previously whole entity.

abruption

Describes a sudden and unexpected break or change.

FAQs

How is "discontinuity" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, "discontinuity" refers to a point at which a function is not continuous, meaning there's a break or jump in the graph of the function. Different types of discontinuities exist, such as jump "discontinuity", removable "discontinuity", and infinite "discontinuity".

What's the difference between "discontinuity" and "interruption"?

"Interruption" implies a temporary cessation of something, while "discontinuity" suggests a more fundamental break in sequence or consistency. An interruption is often reversible, whereas a "discontinuity" may not be.

Can "discontinuity" be used in a positive context?

While often used to describe negative situations, "discontinuity" can be neutral or even positive when referring to a necessary shift or change, such as a technological "discontinuity" that leads to innovation.

What are some alternatives to "discontinuity" in describing a break in a narrative?

When discussing a break in a narrative, you could use terms like "hiatus", "digression", or "interruption". The best choice depends on the specific nature and impact of the "discontinuity".