groundbreaking

adjective

ground·​break·​ing ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌbrā-kiŋ 

: introducing new ideas or methods

has written a groundbreaking work

Examples of groundbreaking in a Sentence

She was honored for her groundbreaking work in nuclear physics.

Recent Examples on the Web

James Cameron’s third installment in his groundbreaking Avatar series minted green at multiplexes around the globe over the weekend as the year-end holiday box office commenced in earnest. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 21 Dec. 2025

The Thing is one of those rare sci-fi horrors that stands the test of time due to its suspenseful pacing and its groundbreaking practical effects by Rob Bottin, leaving you both frozen and scared stiff. —Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025

The mission represents a groundbreaking moment for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Leonardo Cendamo / Getty Images Edmund White, a groundbreaking gay author who lived in the Chicago area as a youngster, died June 3. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for groundbreaking

• awaking
• backbreaking
• bookmaking
• breathtaking
• brickmaking
• caretaking
• dressmaking
• filmmaking
• forsaking
• glassmaking
• haymaking
• heartbreaking