B2 noun Neutral

breakthrough

/ˈbreɪkθruː/

A significant and dramatic discovery or development that overcomes a major obstacle or impasse. It is often used to describe progress in science, medicine, or diplomacy after a long period of effort.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I finally had a breakthrough with my painting technique after months of frustration.

I finally found a way to succeed with my painting after a long struggle.

2

The signing of the peace treaty was hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

The agreement was celebrated as an important advancement in international relations.

3

I had a breakthrough and realized why my code wasn't working.

I suddenly understood the problem with my computer program.

Word Family

Noun
breakthrough
Verb
break through
Adjective
breakthrough
Related
breakout
💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a literal brick wall blocking your path. A 'breakthrough' is the moment you finally smash a hole through that wall to see what is on the other side.

Quick Quiz

Scientists are hoping for a _______ in the search for a sustainable energy source.

Correct!

The correct answer is: breakthrough

Examples

1

I finally had a breakthrough with my painting technique after months of frustration.

everyday

I finally found a way to succeed with my painting after a long struggle.

2

The signing of the peace treaty was hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

formal

The agreement was celebrated as an important advancement in international relations.

3

I had a breakthrough and realized why my code wasn't working.

informal

I suddenly understood the problem with my computer program.

4

This research represents a significant breakthrough in our understanding of genetic mutations.

academic

This study is a major step forward in the scientific knowledge of genetics.

5

The new product launch proved to be the breakthrough the company needed to gain market share.

business

The new product was the key success the business required to compete effectively.

Word Family

Noun
breakthrough
Verb
break through
Adjective
breakthrough
Related
breakout

Common Collocations

scientific breakthrough a major discovery in the field of science
achieve a breakthrough to successfully reach a point of significant progress
major breakthrough a very important or large discovery
technological breakthrough a significant advancement in technology
medical breakthrough a discovery that improves healthcare or cures disease

Common Phrases

make a breakthrough

to succeed in making a discovery or finding a solution

breakthrough moment

the specific point in time when a major realization occurs

breakthrough technology

innovative technology that changes an industry

Often Confused With

breakthrough vs breakdown

A 'breakthrough' is a positive success or discovery, while a 'breakdown' is a failure, collapse, or a detailed analysis.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'breakthrough' as a noun to describe the event of discovery. As a phrasal verb, 'break through' (two words) describes the action of forcing a way through a barrier.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'breakthrough' as a verb; however, 'breakthrough' is the noun form. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'break through'.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a literal brick wall blocking your path. A 'breakthrough' is the moment you finally smash a hole through that wall to see what is on the other side.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the phrasal verb 'break through', originating in the early 20th century to describe military penetrations of enemy lines.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: breakthroughs Often preceded by adjectives like 'major', 'scientific', or 'significant'
🌍

Cultural Context

Frequently used in Western media to hype new scientific studies or medical trials.

Quick Quiz

Scientists are hoping for a _______ in the search for a sustainable energy source.

Correct!

The correct answer is: breakthrough

Related Words

toxin

B2

A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals. It is capable of causing disease or health issues when it enters body tissues through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.

pesticide

B2

A chemical substance used to kill or control pests that are harmful to crops, livestock, or humans. It is an umbrella term that includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides used widely in agriculture and gardening.

fertilizer

B2

A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. It is primarily used in gardening and agriculture to help crops develop faster and produce higher yields.

irrigation

B2

To supply land or crops with water through man-made systems such as pipes, ditches, or sprinklers. It is an essential agricultural process used to assist in the growth of plants, especially in areas with low rainfall.

flood

B2

Describing something relating to a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry, or metaphorically, being overwhelmed by an excessive quantity of something. In common usage, the form 'flooded' is typically used as the adjective to describe this state.

erosion

B2

Erosion is the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. In a figurative sense, it refers to the gradual destruction or reduction of something abstract, such as power, rights, or confidence.

desertification

B2

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It represents a significant environmental challenge where land loses its biological productivity and ability to support human life.

afforestation

B2

Afforestation is the process of establishing a forest on land that has not recently been covered by trees. It involves planting seeds or saplings to create new wooded areas, often to improve the environment or for commercial timber.

endangered

B2

To put someone or something at risk or in a situation where they could be harmed, damaged, or destroyed. In environmental contexts, it specifically refers to species that are at high risk of becoming extinct in the near future.

extinction

B2

Extinction is the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct, meaning it no longer has any living members. It can also refer to the act of making something, such as a fire, a feeling, or a practice, cease to exist.

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