adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

turbulent

TURB-yuh-luhnt

Turbulent (adj) means marked by violent disturbance or constant unrest. Example: “The nation went through a turbulent period of civil unrest.”

adj

Marked by violent disturbance or constant unrest.

"The nation went through a turbulent period of civil unrest."

"Their turbulent relationship was full of breakups and reconciliations."

How to use turbulent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChaotic and unsettled, whether describing weather, politics, or personal relationships.

Easily confused with

assertive →

Common pairings

turbulent times turbulent relationship turbulent history

Word forms

more turbulent comparative, most turbulent superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “turbulent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The nation went through a _____ period of civil unrest.

Etymology

From Latin turbulentus, based on turba, meaning "disorder" or "crowd."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for turbulent

opulent virulent succulent fraudulent

See all rhymes for turbulent →

Frequently asked questions

What does “turbulent” mean?

The word “turbulent” means marked by violent disturbance or constant unrest. In plain terms, chaotic and unsettled, whether describing weather, politics, or personal relationships.

How do you pronounce “turbulent”?

“Turbulent” is pronounced TURB-yuh-luhnt (/ˈtɝbjələnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “turbulent” in a sentence?

Here is “turbulent” used in a sentence: “The nation went through a turbulent period of civil unrest.”

What part of speech is “turbulent”?

“Turbulent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “turbulent” come from?

The word “turbulent” comes from Latin. From Latin turbulentus, based on turba, meaning "disorder" or "crowd.".

Is “turbulent” a common word?

“Turbulent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.