Breakthrough
Breakthrough noun - An instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill.
Usage example: Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
Deterioration is an antonym for breakthrough.
Deterioration
Deterioration noun - A gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body.
Breakthrough is an antonym for deterioration.
How words are described
| emotional | emotional breakthrough | emotional deterioration |
| personal | personal breakthrough | personal deterioration |
| psychological | psychological breakthrough | psychological deterioration |
| significant | significant breakthrough | significant deterioration |
| Other adjectives: next. | ||
Cite this Source
Deterioration and Breakthrough. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/breakthrough/deterioration
Breakthrough & Deterioration. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/breakthrough/deterioration>.
Deterioration or Breakthrough. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/breakthrough/deterioration.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "breakthrough" and "deterioration" have occurred on timeline