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

Real-world numbers suggest the hybrid doesn’t offer a quantum leap in fuel economy. —New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025

Chad: there is a crop of young women surfers, who Have taken a quantum leap in their sort of skills and ability. —Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025

The tool was a quantum leap forward in what short-form video could do with basic text prompts. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025

For Florida’s defense to make a quantum leap, the Gators will be best served to get in lockstep with Sapp. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum leap

• multistep
• overstep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep