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
Chad: there is a crop of young women surfers, who Have taken a quantum leap in their sort of skills and ability.
—
Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
The tool was a quantum leap forward in what short-form video could do with basic text prompts.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
For Florida’s defense to make a quantum leap, the Gators will be best served to get in lockstep with Sapp.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025
If generative AI represented a step-change in the scale and speed at which threat actors can launch attacks, then AI agents are nothing short of a quantum leap.
—Eyal Benishti, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2025
The tool was a quantum leap forward in what short-form video could do with basic text prompts.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
For Florida’s defense to make a quantum leap, the Gators will be best served to get in lockstep with Sapp.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025
If generative AI represented a step-change in the scale and speed at which threat actors can launch attacks, then AI agents are nothing short of a quantum leap.
—Eyal Benishti, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
Cite this Entry
“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share