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.

Examples of quantum leap in a Sentence

Prices have taken a quantum leap upward. The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer.
Recent Examples on the Web As advertised, this was a quantum leap forward for concerts. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2023 But the quantum leap in capability forms some startling numbers: 1,234 hp and 1,430 ft lbs of torque from three motors and a 118 kWh battery. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023 That would represent a quantum leap for the United States — where just 5.8 percent of vehicles sold last year were all-electric — and would exceed President Biden’s earlier ambitions to have all-electric cars account for half of those sold in the country by 2030. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2023 This perfume takes an emotional approach to the brand, but also represents enormous innovation and a quantum leap in the creation of perfumes, Flores-Roux adds. Kristin Limoges, Harper's BAZAAR, 3 Aug. 2023 And with the offense positioned to get back to its pound-the-rock, grind-the-clock roots, this D has a chance to make a quantum leap. 39. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 19 July 2023 Still, the news is certain to touch off heated debate about whether this is a marketing move from an industry whose optimistic timelines have captured the imaginations and wallets of billionaires — or a legitimate quantum leap. Evan Halper, Washington Post, 10 May 2023 If enacted as proposed, the regulations would mean a quantum leap for the auto industry in the United States, where just 5.8 percent of new cars and less than 2 percent of trucks sold last year were all-electric. Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023 The quantum leap in technology coincides with the emergence of Big Data, which is essentially the fuel for the development of AI and ML. Alexander Konovalov, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum leap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum leap was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near quantum leap

Cite this Entry

“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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