turbulent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'turbulent' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means showing or characterized by unrest, confusion, or uncertainty. For example, you might say, “The turbulent political climate has created many divisions among the people.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After three months of turbulent talks, and with cash reserves running perilously low, Greece's leftist-led coalition reshuffled its negotiating team on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Even now, five years after the US closed down Bucca, the Pentagon defends the camp as an example of lawful policy for a turbulent time.

The Guardian

After the maternity ward, accident and emergency, and police custody, the often turbulent process of divorce will become the focus of the latest TV documentary series to use Big Brother-style cameras.

The Guardian

The series will follow the "turbulent process of separating [in] the incredibly private world of the mediation room, following couples who once adored each other end up tussling over assets.

The Guardian

His turbulent playing career was marred by clashes with authority, his erratic behaviour and candour quickly marking him out as a 'bad boy'.

The Guardian - Sport

London's East End has a turbulent political history and Lutfur Rahman's mayoralty forms the latest chapter of it.

The Guardian

Next departure 6 November Much of Colombia has been untouched by tourism thanks to its turbulent history, but it is now safe to visit.

The Guardian - Travel

He said: "In the 10 years that OFM has been reporting on the food industry rarely have we seen a time as turbulent as this.

The Guardian

You might be surprised to discover how well stock markets have done over the past 10 turbulent years, says Rob Pemberton, investment director at wealth managers HFM Columbus.

The Guardian - Money

Clearly labor reforms didn't boost growth in the short run, but two to three years after the most turbulent period of the crisis, the countries that swallowed that bitter medicine are seeing growth dividends.

The Guardian - Business

Newman seems older than 23, unsurprising given his turbulent upbringing and what he describes as his "stubborn" character.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical periods or events, use "turbulent" to convey unrest and significant change, such as "the turbulent 1960s".

Common error

Avoid using "turbulent" to describe minor disagreements or simple disruptions. It's best suited for situations involving significant upheaval or widespread disorder.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "turbulent" primarily functions to describe a noun as being in a state of disturbance, agitation, or disorder. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies unrest and uncertainty. Examples include describing "turbulent seas" or "turbulent times".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turbulent" is a versatile adjective used to describe states of disturbance, agitation, or instability. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies unrest and uncertainty. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. When employing "turbulent", ensure the situation warrants such a strong descriptor, reserving it for scenarios involving genuine upheaval rather than minor disruptions. Related terms like "tumultuous" and "unstable" can offer nuanced alternatives, as listed in this guide.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tumultuous

Similar in meaning but emphasizes noise and disorder.

unstable

Focuses on the lack of steadiness or reliability.

stormy

Suggests a period of great emotional or political upheaval.

agitated

Highlights a state of physical or emotional unrest.

tempestuous

Implies violent commotion and strong emotional outbursts.

chaotic

Emphasizes a state of complete disorder and confusion.

disruptive

Focuses on the interruption of normal processes or activities.

unsettled

Suggests a lack of stability and peace.

restless

Implies an inability to stay still or be content.

troubled

Highlights a state of worry and difficulty.

FAQs

How is "turbulent" typically used in a sentence?

"Turbulent" is used as an adjective to describe something characterized by disturbance, unrest, or agitation. For example, "The "turbulent economy" caused many businesses to fail".

What words can I use instead of "turbulent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "tumultuous", "unstable", or "stormy".

Is it correct to describe a relationship as "turbulent"?

Yes, you can describe a relationship as "turbulent" if it is characterized by conflict, instability, and emotional upheaval. For instance: "They had a "turbulent relationship"".

What's the difference between "turbulent" and "chaotic"?

"Turbulent" suggests a state of unrest or agitation, often with underlying forces at play, while "chaotic" implies a state of complete disorder and confusion without any apparent pattern. A "turbulent" situation might eventually resolve, whereas a "chaotic" one is simply disorganized.