: a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique
a medical breakthrough
b
: a person's first notable success—often used before another noun
a breakthrough novelthe actress's breakthrough performance
2
a
: an act or instance of moving through or beyond an obstacle
a breakthrough in the talks between the region's leaders
a breakthrough agreement
b
: an instance of passing through a barrier or protection
The ice under the surface begins to deteriorate, increasing the risk of breakthroughs. Vicki Winger
specifically, medical: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
A vaccine breakthrough occurs when a person tests positive for COVID-19 two weeks after being fully vaccinated against the disease … David Rasbach
—often used before another noun
Two other CDC studies of breakthrough cases at nursing homes showed the vaccines protected residents, even when the virus spread through the homes. Maura Dolan… the academy recently recommended that children receive two doses of the chicken pox vaccine, rather than just one, because the additional dose bolsters immunity and may help reduce breakthrough infection. Maria Raven
3
warfare: an offensive military assault that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line
Noun Researchers say they have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. The police have announced a breakthrough in the murder case. This job could be the breakthrough she's been waiting for.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Ukraine accomplished its breakthrough using deceit and surprise. Daniel Michaels, WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 The Broncos had lost four Super Bowls, same as the Bills, when Elway led their breakthrough in San Diego. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 In 1996, Rimes landed her breakthrough hit with this throwback composition, which Bill Mack originally wrote for Patsy Cline. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2022 Thewlis' was already a working actor for quite a while when his major breakthrough came in the 1993 independent film Naked, which landed at Cannes and made his name. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 10 Aug. 2022 While Elliott nabbed several stints on the small screen throughout the early 1970s, his film breakthrough came with the role of Rick Carlson in 1976's Lifeguard. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2022 His true breakthrough as a player occurred just before the collegiate experience. Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 31 July 2022 Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Minnie Miñoso, Buck O’Neil and the two other living members, Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva, who will represent the Twins — the same franchise that released Ortiz in 2002, just before his Boston breakthrough.New York Times, 23 July 2022 Application rationalization could be the key to your next breakthrough in IT practice management. Vivek Ahuja, Forbes, 11 July 2022 See More