noun

breakthrough

BRAYK-throo

noun

A sudden, important advance or discovery that overcomes a major obstacle.

"Scientists announced a breakthrough in cancer treatment."

"The negotiations finally had a breakthrough after weeks of deadlock."

adj

Describing a case of illness occurring despite protection, such as after vaccination.

"She had a mild breakthrough infection despite being vaccinated."

How to Use Breakthrough

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA major step forward that solves or gets past something that had been blocking progress.

Common pairings

scientific breakthrough breakthrough infection major breakthrough

breakthroughs plural

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Scientists announced a _____ in cancer treatment.

From break + through, describing progress that pushes past a barrier.

cough rough dough bough tough enough though plough slough trough clough through