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

When medicine takes this quantum leap, the era of rigid classifications will give way to a future of dynamic, personalized health trajectories. —Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

As a Yang Earth sign, the Dog has the patience to take it one small step at a time, but quantum leaps are also possible! —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

This form of computing could theoretically make, ahem, quantum leaps in both speed and number of calculations a computer could perform simultaneously. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025

Leveraging Quantum Computing To Challenge Encryption The next quantum leap will probably be in quantum computing. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 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