break ‧ through /ˈbreɪkθruː/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
an important new discovery in something you are studying, especially one made after trying for a long time
breakthrough in
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer.
⇨ break through at ↑ break 1
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ make a breakthrough
Detectives think they may have made a breakthrough in their hunt for the murderer.
▪ achieve a breakthrough
With further funding, the research team hope to be able to achieve a breakthrough.
▪ represent a breakthrough
This represents a major breakthrough in the search for a cure.
■ adjectives
▪ a big/major breakthrough
Einstein believed he was on the verge of a big breakthrough.
▪ a significant/important breakthrough
Another very significant breakthrough has been made by Dr David Peacock.
▪ a technological/scientific breakthrough
Their findings led to a major technological breakthrough.
▪ a historic breakthrough
The agreement was a historic breakthrough in political history.
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THESAURUS
▪ progress noun [uncountable] /ˈprəʊɡres $ ˈprɑː-/ the process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving something:
a test of the students' progress.
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We have made good progress towards meeting our objectives.
▪ advance noun [countable usually plural] /ədˈvɑːns $ ədˈvæns/ a discovery, invention, or change that brings progress:
the technological advances of the twentieth century
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advances in scientific knowledge
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In recent years there have been enormous economic and social advances.
▪ breakthrough noun [countable] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important discovery or achievement that makes progress possible, especially one that happens suddenly after a long period of trying:
Scientists have described the discovery as a major breakthrough.
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The breakthrough in the investigation came when police found a stolen car.
▪ make headway to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress:
After several months of discussion, the committee had made little headway.