turbulence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turbulence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of disturbance or disorder, often in the context of air travel or metaphorically in situations of instability. Example: "The flight experienced significant turbulence, causing the passengers to feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the very least, I suggest to him, a British exit would create no end of economic turbulence.

The Guardian

He said it might have been better if changes had been introduced in a more "coherent" and "coordinated" way, saying schools had been put through "a prolonged period of turbulence and uncertainty".

The Guardian

Budget carrier Wizz Air has scrapped plans for a £200m flotation on the London stock exchange, blaming turbulence in the aviation market.

The Guardian - Business

Domestically, Armenia has experienced bouts of political turbulence.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.54am AESpeakingSpeaking of imbroglios, the government is also facing turbulence in the Senate on infrastructure and privatisations.

The Guardian

We've done a lot in the last four years to deal with an exceptional period of economic turbulence".

The Guardian

He began his work as assistant general secretary in the early months of 1974 when the Heath government was tottering under the pressures of a miners' strike, the oil crisis and economic turbulence.

The Guardian

Warning her party to expect more painful analysis, she said it would be better to have some turbulence now than to "paper over the cracks".

The Guardian

It no doubt seems unfair that just when you have learned to navigate the emotional turbulence of your debilitating illness you face the prospect of losing your anchor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A gradual rise in the oil price would be manageable; a sharp jump would increase the risk of turbulence ahead.

The Guardian - Business

Political analysts say it might also reflect a tough response by the judiciary to regional turbulence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turbulence" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly relates to instability or disruption. For example, describe "market turbulence" or "political turbulence".

Common error

Avoid using "turbulence" to describe minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations involving significant instability or disruption. Using it too casually dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "turbulence" is as a noun. It refers to a state of disturbance, disorder, or instability, whether in a physical sense (like air turbulence) or a metaphorical sense (like economic or political turbulence). Ludwig AI indicates its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turbulence" is a versatile noun used to describe states of disturbance or instability, both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It frequently appears in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. When writing, use "turbulence" to accurately convey significant instability, and be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage. Related terms include "instability", "upheaval", and "disruption", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "turbulence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instability

Focuses on the lack of stability rather than the chaotic motion.

upheaval

Emphasizes a sudden and significant disruption or change.

disruption

Highlights the interruption of a normal process or state.

turmoil

Suggests a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

agitation

Implies a state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

commotion

Focuses on noisy activity or confusion.

disorder

Refers to a lack of order or organization.

volatility

Highlights the tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

tempestuousness

Emphasizes the stormy or turbulent nature of something.

unrest

Indicates a state of dissatisfaction or disturbance, often political or social.

FAQs

How can I use "turbulence" in a sentence?

You can use "turbulence" to describe unstable conditions, such as "The flight experienced severe turbulence" or "The company faced market turbulence after the announcement".

What can I say instead of "turbulence"?

You can use alternatives like "instability", "upheaval", or "disruption" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "turbulence" to describe emotional distress?

Yes, "turbulence" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional distress, such as "She experienced emotional turbulence after the breakup". However, ensure the context is appropriate.

What's the difference between "turbulence" and "turmoil"?

"Turbulence" often refers to unstable conditions or disturbances, while "turmoil" suggests a state of great confusion or agitation. "Turmoil" typically implies a more intense and prolonged state of disruption.