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
The quantum leap Bedard has taken this season is more than just scoring more goals, creating more of his own offense, running a more dangerous power play.
—
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
And then comes your quantum leap.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
Real-world numbers suggest the hybrid doesn’t offer a quantum leap in fuel economy.
—New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
The record is a quantum leap, toying with all conventional notions of style, order, and shape.—Sheldon Pearce (Brooklyn Paramount; Dec. 1-2.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
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Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
And then comes your quantum leap.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
Real-world numbers suggest the hybrid doesn’t offer a quantum leap in fuel economy.
—New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
The record is a quantum leap, toying with all conventional notions of style, order, and shape.—Sheldon Pearce (Brooklyn Paramount; Dec. 1-2.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
Cite this Entry
“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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