groundbreaking

adjective

ground·​break·​ing ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce groundbreaking (audio)
: introducing new ideas or methods
has written a groundbreaking work

Example Sentences

She was honored for her groundbreaking work in nuclear physics.
Recent Examples on the Web Now the first four episodes of the — in some ways —groundbreaking series have arrived, delivering plenty of platonic bonding moments, steamy, night-vision scenes and lots and lots of tears. Elaina Patton, NBC News, 25 May 2023 Showtime's groundbreaking series — co-created by Ilene Chaiken, Michele Abbott, and Kathy Greenberg — tackles a multigenerational cast of interrelated characters orbiting around Los Angeles and looking for any sort of connection. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 17 May 2023 There is not a divorce attorney in Hollywood today–or any American city for that matter–that is not indebted, in some way or shape, to Sorrell Trope’s groundbreaking professional imprint. Malina Saval, Variety, 19 Apr. 2023 In the eyes of Julie Su’s supporters, President Biden’s pick to be the next Labor secretary personifies the promise of California: A daughter of immigrants who made groundbreaking advances in protecting workers rights. Melanie Mason, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2023 This groundbreaking hair straightener is a lighter, cordless version of the Platinum+ Styler. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 27 Mar. 2023 Unveiled this week at its permanent home on Cleveland Clinic’s campus in Ohio, IBM Quantum System One is part of a groundbreaking effort to significantly speed up the pace of scientific breakthroughs. Serpil Erzurum, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2023 At the time it was published, the groundbreaking research was the first of its kind to challenge long-standing assumptions. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2023 But the gathering of plaster torsos also highlighted the show’s most groundbreaking aspect: Nearly a quarter of the show’s contestants were female. Jeff Yang, CNN, 3 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'groundbreaking.' 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

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundbreaking was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near groundbreaking

Cite this Entry

“Groundbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundbreaking. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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