breakthrough
/ˈbreɪkθruː/ (bre, ipa) · [brˈekθrˌu] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ (ame, ipa) · [brˈekθrˌu] /ˈbrāk-ˌthrü/ (ame, mw) · /ˈbreɪk.θruː/ (bre, ipa) · [brˈekθrˌu] /ˈbreɪk.θruː/ (ame, ipa)
breakthrough — noun
- breakthroughsingular
- breakthroughsplural
1. A sudden and significant step forward in knowledge, technology, or problem-solvi
A sudden and significant step forward in knowledge, technology, or problem-solving — such as a medical cure that finally works after years of failed attempts, or a new engineering method that removes a long-held limit.
The new cancer drug was a major breakthrough that saved thousands of lives.
major breakthrough — adjective + noun collocation for significant advances
Scientists in Osaka described the discovery as a breakthrough in renewable energy storage.
After years of research, Quan's team achieved a breakthrough in artificial intelligence for medical diagnosis.
The peace treaty was seen as a real breakthrough after decades of conflict between the two countries.
- discovery
broader — any new finding, not necessarily solving a major problem
- advance
slightly less dramatic than breakthrough; steady forward movement
- innovation
focuses on a new method or product rather than a sudden solving of a problem
用法筆記
Countable noun. Often used with the verbs 'make' or 'achieve' and the adjective 'major'. This sense does NOT refer to physically breaking through a barrier — see noun sense 2 for that meaning.
常見錯誤
2. An act of forcing a way through a physical barrier or defensive line, especially
An act of forcing a way through a physical barrier or defensive line, especially in combat — such as soldiers breaking through an enemy wall or a team cutting through a sealed door during a rescue operation.
The tank division achieved a breakthrough of the enemy's front line at dawn.
breakthrough of [barrier] — reveals the preposition pattern for the barrier sense
Rescue workers made a breakthrough through the collapsed tunnel wall to reach the trapped miners.
History books describe the Normandy invasion as the breakthrough that turned the war.
The sappers created a breakthrough in the barbed-wire fence so the infantry could advance.
- breach
emphasizes the gap opened; used in both military and literal barrier contexts
- penetration
more technical; focuses on the action of getting through rather than the result
- incursion
a hostile entry into a territory, not necessarily breaking through a specific barrier
用法筆記
Countable noun. Frequently followed by 'of' + the barrier or 'through' + the obstacle. Distinguish from noun sense 1: sense 1 is about discovery and problem-solving; sense 2 is about physically moving through or past something solid.
breakthrough — adjective
- breakthroughpositive
- more breakthroughcomparative
- most breakthroughsuperlative
1. Describing something that creates or represents a major change in a field, becau
Describing something that creates or represents a major change in a field, because it overcomes a long-standing difficulty or achieves something that was not possible before — used especially of products, discoveries, performances, or moments that set a new standard.
The company launched a breakthrough product that changed how people communicate online.
breakthrough product — most common adjective + noun pair
Maeve gave a breakthrough performance in the film, earning praise from critics everywhere.
This breakthrough treatment offers hope to patients who had no other options.
The school's breakthrough approach to teaching reading raised test scores across all grade levels.
- revolutionary
stronger — implies a complete change in how things are done
- pioneering
emphasizes being the first to do something
- groundbreaking
very close in meaning; slightly more common in academic contexts
- minor
small in importance or effect
- incremental
describes small, gradual change rather than a big leap
用法筆記
Attributive only — always used directly before a noun (e.g. 'a breakthrough idea', NOT 'the idea is breakthrough'). Distinguish from the noun: the adjective describes the noun it modifies, while the noun 'breakthrough' names the advance itself. Common in news headlines and marketing language.