Is quantum leap formal or informal?

It is common in writing and speech, and it sounds fairly formal.

Is a quantum leap the same as a breakthrough?

They are close, but breakthrough often suggests a new discovery or success.

Can I use quantum leap for small improvements?

No. It means a very large improvement or jump.

Is quantum leap common in business writing?

Yes. People use it for strong growth, major change, or big progress.

← Dictionary

a-quantum-leap

/ə ˈkwɒn.təm liːp/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A very big and sudden improvement or increase. It suggests a much larger change than a small step or normal progress.

The new policy was a quantum leap in safety.
Her English improved by a quantum leap this year.
That update was a quantum leap for the app.

Adinary Nuance

Use quantum leap when the change is huge and clearly noticeable. It is stronger than improvement or advance, and more dramatic than step change. Writers often choose it to show a major breakthrough, not just normal growth.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bước nhảy vọt
Spanish: salto enorme
Chinese: 巨大飞跃
Japanese: 飛躍的進歩
Korean: 비약

Etymology

This phrase uses quantum from Latin, through science, meaning a discrete amount of energy. It became common in English in the 20th century, especially for a big jump in progress.

Common phrases

a quantum leap forwardmake a quantum leapa quantum leap in technologya quantum leap in growth

Synonyms

big leap major advance great jump

Frequently asked questions

Is quantum leap formal or informal?: It is common in writing and speech, and it sounds fairly formal.
Is a quantum leap the same as a breakthrough?: They are close, but breakthrough often suggests a new discovery or success.
Can I use quantum leap for small improvements?: No. It means a very large improvement or jump.
Is quantum leap common in business writing?: Yes. People use it for strong growth, major change, or big progress.