quantum leap
noun
plural quantum leaps
: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance
Note: Quantum leap is rarely used in scientific contexts, but it originated as a synonym of quantum jump, which describes an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another.
Example Sentences
Prices have taken a quantum leap upward. The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer.
Recent Examples on the Web The Gators made a quantum leap as a program with the recent opening of the Heavener Football Training Center. 
Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2022 What could be the bold, big-idea, try-it-and-see, quantum leap approach that gathers science, policy, and the private and civil sectors and incentivizes them to pull together toward finding rapid solutions and implementing them ASAP? John Sabo, Forbes, 17 June 2022 But what came with those two records was a quantum leap. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2022 The vehicle first aims to make the quantum leap from a low-stakes race on a quarter-mile track in glitzy L.A. to running on the 2.5-mile oval at iconic Daytona International Speedway for the sport’s biggest prize. Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 15 Feb. 2022 Florida believes Napier is prepared to make the quantum leap from the Sun Belt to the SEC. Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Nov. 2021 These are all especially true after COVID-19 drove a quantum leap in the acceptance of remote work and made this labor market even more competitive. Aman Kidwai, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2022 In 1989, the science of bird tracking took a quantum leap when albatrosses became the first birds to be fixed with satellite tracking telemetry devices. Jim Robbins, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2022 My impression is that in Arab TV there has been a quantum leap in terms of fresh, innovative narratives. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 Dec. 2021 See More
Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2022 What could be the bold, big-idea, try-it-and-see, quantum leap approach that gathers science, policy, and the private and civil sectors and incentivizes them to pull together toward finding rapid solutions and implementing them ASAP? John Sabo, Forbes, 17 June 2022 But what came with those two records was a quantum leap. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2022 The vehicle first aims to make the quantum leap from a low-stakes race on a quarter-mile track in glitzy L.A. to running on the 2.5-mile oval at iconic Daytona International Speedway for the sport’s biggest prize. Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 15 Feb. 2022 Florida believes Napier is prepared to make the quantum leap from the Sun Belt to the SEC. Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Nov. 2021 These are all especially true after COVID-19 drove a quantum leap in the acceptance of remote work and made this labor market even more competitive. Aman Kidwai, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2022 In 1989, the science of bird tracking took a quantum leap when albatrosses became the first birds to be fixed with satellite tracking telemetry devices. Jim Robbins, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2022 My impression is that in Arab TV there has been a quantum leap in terms of fresh, innovative narratives. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1956, in the meaning defined above
quantum leap
noun
as in breakthrough
a sudden large change or improvement Prices have taken a quantum leap upward. The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- breakthrough
- boost
- strengthening
- enhancement
- increase
- upturn
- evolution
- upswing
- advance
- upgrade
- amelioration
- revival
- maturation
- advancement
- growth
- development
- uplift
- expansion
- ripening
- enlightenment
- betterment
- heightening
- refinement
- education
- uptrend
- melioration
- renaissance
- windfall
- elaboration
- innovation
- civilization
- gestation
- perfection
- find
- edification
- discovery
- renascence
- invention
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stumbling block
- collapse
- breakdown
- crash
- reduction
- decrease
- failing
- impediment
- decline
- hindrance
- decay
- deterioration
- sinking
- worsening
- weakening
- lapse
- degeneration
- downgrade
- impairment
- descent
- slowing
- lessening
- detriment
- drawback
- shortcoming
- decadence
- declension
- glitch
- setback
- languishment
- disablement
- flagging
- diminishment
- ebbing