noun

turbulence

TUR-byuh-luhns

noun

Violent or unpredictable movement in air or fluid.

"The plane shook as it hit a patch of turbulence over the mountains."

A general state of disorder, upheaval, or instability.

"The company survived years of financial turbulence before turning a profit."

How to Use Turbulence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRough, chaotic movement — used literally for bumpy flights and figuratively for unstable situations like markets or relationships.

Common pairings

air turbulence economic turbulence hit turbulence

turbulences plural

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The plane shook as it hit a patch of _____ over the mountains.

From Late Latin turbulentia, "trouble" or "disquiet," built on turbulent.

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