Dictionary Workbench Ondict
Word Bank Import Dict Cloud Sync

    breakthrough

    Dictionary entry view. Switch to definition mode above when you know the meaning but not the word.

    breakthrough
    break‧through /ˈbreɪkθruː/ noun [countable]
    an important new discovery in something you are studying, especially one made after trying for a long time
        breakthrough in
        Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. ⇨ break through at break1
         
    COLLOCATIONS
    ■ verbs
       ▪ make a breakthrough Detectives think they may have made a breakthrough in their hunt for the murderer.
       ▪ achieve a breakthrough With further funding, the research team hope to be able to achieve a breakthrough.
       ▪ represent a breakthrough This represents a major breakthrough in the search for a cure.
    ■ adjectives
       ▪ a big/major breakthrough Einstein believed he was on the verge of a big breakthrough.
       ▪ a significant/important breakthrough Another very significant breakthrough has been made by Dr David Peacock.
       ▪ a technological/scientific breakthrough Their findings led to a major technological breakthrough.
       ▪ a historic breakthrough The agreement was a historic breakthrough in political history.
         
    THESAURUS
       ▪ progress noun [uncountable] /ˈprəʊɡres $ ˈprɑː-/ the process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving something: a test of the students' progress. | We have made good progress towards meeting our objectives.
       ▪ advance noun [countable usually plural] /ədˈvɑːns $ ədˈvæns/ a discovery, invention, or change that brings progress: the technological advances of the twentieth century | advances in scientific knowledge | In recent years there have been enormous economic and social advances.
       ▪ breakthrough noun [countable] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important discovery or achievement that makes progress possible, especially one that happens suddenly after a long period of trying: Scientists have described the discovery as a major breakthrough. | The breakthrough in the investigation came when police found a stolen car.
       ▪ make headway to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress: After several months of discussion, the committee had made little headway.