# upheaval

/əpˈhivəɫ/ (US) · /ʌphˈiːvəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upheaval
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a big, sudden change that causes a lot of trouble or confusion. It often happens in a society, a government, or someone's personal life.

For teachers: a violent or sudden change or disruption to something. Often refers to social, political, or personal instability.

## Examples

- The sudden move caused a lot of upheaval in the family.
- The country experienced massive political upheaval after the unexpected results of the national election.
- Economic historians often point to the industrial revolution as a period of unprecedented social upheaval that permanently altered the relationship between labor and capital.

## Usage notes

- Both uncountable for the general state of chaos and countable when referring to a specific event.

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