quantum leaps
/ˈkwɑːntəm liːps/
NOUN
1. Sudden and significant advances
Very large or dramatic improvements, developments, or changes that represent substantial progress beyond an earlier state.
1.1. Major progress or improvement
Significant advances in quality, performance, ability, or effectiveness that go far beyond gradual or incremental improvement.
Synonyms
- breakthroughs
- major advances
- great strides
- significant improvements
- radical changes
- major developments
- transformations
- quantum jumps
Antonyms
- setbacks
- regressions
- declines
- deteriorations
- stagnation
Examples
- The company has made quantum leaps in product development over the past decade.
- The team's research has led to quantum leaps in our understanding of the disease.
- The new technology represents several quantum leaps in computing performance.
Related Words
- advancements
- betterments
- enhancements
- upgrades
- milestones
1.2. Scientific and technological breakthroughs
Revolutionary discoveries, inventions, or innovations that substantially expand scientific knowledge or introduce capabilities beyond previous technological limits.
Synonyms
- breakthroughs
- discoveries
- innovations
- inventions
- revolutionary advances
- major developments
- transformative changes
Antonyms
- scientific stagnation
- technological decline
- regressions
- setbacks
Examples
- Quantum leaps in medical research have opened new possibilities for treating previously incurable conditions.
- Advances in space exploration may lead to quantum leaps in our knowledge of the universe.
- The discoveries brought about quantum leaps in the development of modern electronics.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Transitions between quantum states
Abrupt changes in the discrete energy states or other quantum states of atoms, molecules, or subatomic systems.
2.1. Atomic and subatomic transitions
Changes in which an electron, atom, or other quantum system moves from one permitted energy state to another, typically through the absorption or emission of energy.
Synonyms
- quantum jumps
- quantum transitions
- energy-level transitions
- electronic transitions
- atomic transitions
Examples
- The observed quantum leaps occur when electrons transition between discrete energy levels.
- The experiment examined quantum leaps in atoms following the absorption of photons.
Related Words
- quantum states
- energy levels
- photons
- electrons
- quantum mechanics