groundbreaking

groundbreaking — adjective

1. used to describe an idea, discovery, invention, or piece of work that is so orig

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe an idea, discovery, invention, or piece of work that is so original and different from everything that came before it that it changes how people think about a subject or approach a task.

例句

Dr. Noor's groundbreaking study on coral reefs changed how marine biologists understand ocean ecosystems.

collocation: groundbreaking study

The company's groundbreaking smartphone design made touchscreens the standard for the whole industry.

collocation: groundbreaking design

同義詞
  • innovative

    less dramatic than groundbreaking; any new idea or method can be innovative without causing a fundamental shift

  • revolutionary

    stresses the overthrow of old ways; often used in political or technological contexts

  • pioneering

    emphasises being the very first to do something, especially in exploration or research

  • trailblazing

    similar to pioneering but slightly more informal and vivid

反義詞
  • conventional

    following accepted standards rather than introducing something new

  • unoriginal

    lacking any new or fresh qualities

文法句型

groundbreaking + noun

be + groundbreaking

用法筆記

Most commonly placed before a noun — a groundbreaking study, a groundbreaking discovery. The word carries a strongly positive connotation and is typically reserved for advances in science, technology, medicine, the arts, or social thought. Avoid using it for minor improvements or everyday products.

常見錯誤

I bought a groundbreaking new phone case.
I bought a unique new phone case.
💡ground-breaking is too strong for ordinary products; it should be reserved for ideas or inventions that cause a major shift in a field.
His groundbreaking idea saved us ten dollars.
His groundbreaking idea changed how the entire company operates.
💡using groundbreaking for small improvements makes the word sound exaggerated.