breakthrough Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Breakthrough as an Adjective
Characterized by major progress or overcoming some obstacle.
a breakthrough technological advance
Involving the contraction of a disease by a person with a decreased susceptibility, such as a person who has been vaccinated to help prevent that disease.
Breakthrough as a Noun
An advance through and past enemy lines.
Any major progress; such as a great innovation or discovery that overcomes a significant obstacle.
Albert Einstein is credited with making some of the greatest breakthroughs in modern physics.
The penetration of the opposition's defence.
The penetration of a separating wall or the remaining distance to an adjacent hollow (a crosscut in mining) or between two parts of a tunnel build from both ends.
The emergence or one or more symptoms of a condition despite medication or other medical treatment.
She was on two antiepileptics for five years but then had a breakthrough seizure.
The penetration of the opposition defence
The penetration of a separating wall or the remaining distance to an adjacent hollow (a crosscut in mining) or between two parts of a tunnel build from both ends; knockthrough.
Breakthrough in a Sentence
a breakthrough technological advance
Albert Einstein is credited with making some of the greatest breakthroughs in modern physics.
She was on two antiepileptics for five years but then had a breakthrough seizure.
He was managing his discomfort with common painkillers, but one morning he had breakthrough pain causing him to miss work.
Word Forms & Grammar
breakthrough (not comparable)
breakthrough (plural breakthroughs)
Words That Rhyme With Breakthrough
Origin of Breakthrough
From break + through. Compare German Durchbruch and Dutch doorbraak (“breakthrough”, literally “through-break”).
Word Facts for Breakthrough
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɹeɪk.θɹuː/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Meaning | Characterized by major progress or overcoming some obstacle |
| Plural | breakthroughs |
Breakthrough Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of breakthrough is /ˈbɹeɪk.θɹuː/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (bɹeɪk).