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

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

The brand—then just called Heuer—evolved the tech, which made a quantum leap in 1971 when Heuer was contacted by Enzo Ferrari to design a new timing system for him. —Nick Scott, Robb Report, 3 June 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above