breakthrough
Sudden major advance or discovery
A sudden big step forward in knowledge, a project, or a problem, usually after trying for a long time.
a breakthrough in [something]
- The new battery design is being called a major breakthrough in electric vehicle technology.
- After years of research, the team finally made a breakthrough in the treatment of the disease.
- Her therapist said the session was a real breakthrough in understanding the roots of her anxiety.
- The talks had gone nowhere for months, but last night negotiators reported a breakthrough in the peace process.
- This software marks an important breakthrough in how we analyze large amounts of data.
- Scientists reported a big breakthrough in cancer research.
- After many failures, they finally had a breakthrough and finished the project.
- The new app is a breakthrough in online learning.
- That meeting was a breakthrough in our relationship.
- This discovery is a real breakthrough for the company.
Penetration of enemy defensive lines
In war, a moment when an army breaks through the enemy’s line and can move forward.
a breakthrough in [enemy defenses / the front lines]
- The general ordered a final push in the hope of achieving a breakthrough in the enemy lines.
- The breakthrough on the eastern front changed the course of the war.
- Despite heavy losses, the offensive failed to produce a breakthrough.
- Once the breakthrough was made, armored units poured through the gap.
- Historians still debate whether the breakthrough could have been exploited more quickly.
- The army was waiting for a breakthrough in the enemy line.
- The battle ended without a real breakthrough.
- Their attack almost made a breakthrough, but it was stopped.
- The general planned a big attack to create a breakthrough.
- The breakthrough allowed soldiers to move into the city.
Describing something as a major advance
Very new and important, bringing a big change or success in some area.
breakthrough [noun]
- The company is seeking approval for a breakthrough drug to treat rare cancers.
- Her breakthrough role came in an independent film that won several awards.
- This breakthrough technology could transform the way we store energy.
- Critics praised his breakthrough performance as both subtle and powerful.
- The startup hopes its breakthrough product will reshape the home security market.
- Scientists are working on a breakthrough vaccine.
- That movie was her breakthrough role as an actress.
- They developed a breakthrough phone with a new type of screen.
- The team showed a breakthrough design at the tech show.
- This is a breakthrough tool for learning languages.
- Base: breakthrough
- Plural: breakthroughs
a breakthrough in
1A major advance in a field
Used to say that a big new advance has happened in a particular area, such as science, medicine, or business.
- This could be a breakthrough in renewable energy.
- Doctors are excited about a breakthrough in heart disease treatment.
achieve a breakthrough
1Succeed in reaching a breakthrough
To succeed in making a sudden big step forward, usually after working hard for a long time.
- The company achieved a breakthrough in battery efficiency last year.
- Negotiators finally achieved a breakthrough after three days of talks.
breakthrough performance
1Performance that brings major recognition
A performance that makes an actor, musician, or athlete suddenly well-known or highly respected.
- Critics praised her breakthrough performance in the drama series.
- The game was his breakthrough performance for the national team.
breakthrough role
1First role that makes actor famous
An actor’s or performer’s first important role that makes them well-known or successful.
- That film was her breakthrough role and launched her career.
- He is still waiting for his breakthrough role on television.
make a breakthrough
1Achieve a sudden major advance
To suddenly have big success or progress after working on a problem or project for some time.
- Researchers hope to make a breakthrough in the fight against climate change.
- After weeks of confusion, our team finally made a breakthrough on the design.
- Therapy helped him make a breakthrough in understanding his behavior.