Word
turbulence
Phoneticstur·bu·lence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɝbjəɫəns/
UK/tˈɜːbjʊləns/
Definitions
01bumpy air during a flight
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science
n. the shaky or bumpy movement you feel on a plane when the air is moving unevenly.
n. irregular atmospheric motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, resulting in the jolting of an aircraft.
“The pilot asked everyone to fasten their seatbelts because of some light turbulence ahead.”
“The aircraft encountered severe clear-air turbulence over the mountains, causing several minutes of intense buffeting that startled the passengers.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general phenomenon; countable when referring to specific instances.
Synonyms
02confusion or trouble
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. a state of confusion, violence, or lack of order in a situation or society.
n. a state of social, political, or emotional agitation characterized by conflict and lack of stability.
“The country went through a period of political turbulence after the sudden election results.”
“Economists predicted a decade of market turbulence as global trade agreements were renegotiated under intense public scrutiny.”
Usage
Often used in political or economic contexts to describe periods of change.
Synonyms
03unsteady liquid or gas flow
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the messy, swirling movement of a liquid or gas instead of a smooth flow.
n. fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity, contrasting with laminar flow.
“The water showed a lot of turbulence as it crashed against the rocks in the river.”
“Engineers studied the turbulence created by the new wing design to ensure it would not compromise the fuel efficiency of the prototype.”
Usage
Used primarily in physics and engineering contexts.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“This is something which already happens routinely to avoid turbulence and bad weather so passengers are unlikely to notice.” “The Golden Age of musicals ended in the turbulence of the 1960s.” Etymology
From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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