B2nounscience
US/ˈbreɪk.θruː/
UK/ˈbreɪk.θruː/
an important new discovery or success, often after a long time of trying
In context
The new vaccine was a major breakthrough in the fight against malaria.
After two years of failed tests, the team finally made a breakthrough.
Many experts say cheaper batteries will be the key breakthrough for electric cars.
Words that go with breakthrough
adjective + noun
- major breakthroughDoctors call the new treatment a major breakthrough.
- scientific breakthroughThe discovery of penicillin was a scientific breakthrough.
- technological breakthroughA technological breakthrough made solar power much cheaper.
verb + noun
- make a breakthroughResearchers hope to make a breakthrough in battery design.
noun + preposition
- breakthrough inThere has been a breakthrough in cancer research.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The scientists did a breakthrough.Correct: The scientists made a breakthrough.