breakthrough
UK: ˈbreɪkθruː | US: ˈbreɪkθruː
n. a significant or sudden advance or development, especially in knowledge or technology
n. an act of overcoming a major obstacle or barrier
The word "breakthrough" combines "break" (Old English brecan, meaning "to fracture or force open") and "through" (Old English þurh, meaning "passing from one side to another"). It originally described a military tactic of penetrating enemy defenses (early 19th century) and later evolved metaphorically to denote any significant advancement, especially in science or innovation. The logic mirrors physical "breaking through" barriers to achieve progress.
The team celebrated their breakthrough in cancer research.
The invention marked a major technological breakthrough.
Negotiations finally reached a breakthrough after months of stalemate.
Her theory was a breakthrough in understanding quantum physics.
The athlete’s performance was a breakthrough in sports science.