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

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

Banks’ evolution took a quantum leap during the final month of the 2024 season, highlighted by a 2.5-sack day during UF’s Nov. 23 upset of No. 9 Ole Miss. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

This will fuel a quantum leap in our collective defense. —Gabe Whisnant shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

This represents a quantum leap in human possibility. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 June 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