step change
noun
chiefly British
: an important change in something
There has been a step change in our understanding of the problem.
Examples of step change in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As astronomers gear up for this major step change in our understanding of the Kuiper Belt, answers to some of our most fundamental questions hang in the balance.
—
Becky Ferreira, Wired News, 11 Feb. 2026
About five years later, the timing was right for the next step change, Gaspar said.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Feb. 2026
The agreement marks a step change in the countries’ economic relations.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 21 Nov. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Massive amounts of defense spending will likely result in another generational step change for autonomy.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
When Manchester United signed Onana in 2023, it was supposed to represent a step change at the club.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Secure digital watermarks represent a step change in the gift card industry.
—Judy Moon, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
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Becky Ferreira, Wired News, 11 Feb. 2026
About five years later, the timing was right for the next step change, Gaspar said.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Feb. 2026
The agreement marks a step change in the countries’ economic relations.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 21 Nov. 2025
The third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week marked a step change for the fledgling showcase, attracting international labels, retailers and editors to transporting, open-air runway venues and showcasing the appeal of its homegrown modest fashions — and spectacular special-occasion wear.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Massive amounts of defense spending will likely result in another generational step change for autonomy.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
When Manchester United signed Onana in 2023, it was supposed to represent a step change at the club.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Secure digital watermarks represent a step change in the gift card industry.
—Judy Moon, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Step change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20change. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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