discontinuity

noun

dis·​con·​ti·​nu·​ity (ˌ)dis-ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē 

-ˈnyü-

1

: lack of continuity or cohesion

2

: gap sense 5

3

a

: the property of being not mathematically continuous

a point of discontinuity

b

: an instance of being not mathematically continuous

especially : a value of an independent variable at which a function is not continuous

Synonyms

• gap
• hole

Examples of discontinuity in a Sentence

There is a sense of discontinuity between the book's chapters.

microscopic discontinuities in the connecting wires

Recent Examples on the Web

Her use of repetition and discontinuity communicate her inquisitive approach to breaking these strictures. —Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

Any degradation or discontinuity in the data, whether in terms of quality or quantity, could negatively affect the model's forecasting skill, scientists warn. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 July 2025

Xinhua Project Moho was named after the Mohorovičić discontinuity or Moho, which is a fundamental boundary within the Earth's interior. —David Szondy june 08, New Atlas, 8 June 2025

The risk is that their momentum could be disrupted by policy discontinuity, political lobbying, or shifting priorities in Washington. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing discontinuity

• Mohorovicic discontinuity

Rhymes for discontinuity

• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity
• fatuity
• gratuity
• tenuity
• vacuity
• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity