turbulence

turbulence — noun

1. an unstable and confused situation within a society, organization, or system, ma

1.nounB2
Definition

an unstable and confused situation within a society, organization, or system, marked by sudden changes, fierce disagreements, or violent conflict

Example

The country experienced political turbulence after the election results were challenged.

collocation: political turbulence

Economic turbulence forced the factory to lay off hundreds of workers.

collocation: economic turbulence

Common collocations
  • political turbulence
  • economic turbulence
  • social turbulence
  • civil turbulence
  • period of turbulence
Synonyms
  • chaos

    stronger and less formal; suggests total confusion with no control

  • upheaval

    similar formality; focuses on a sudden and violent change that disrupts normal life

  • instability

    describes a lack of steadiness rather than active disorder

Antonyms
  • stability

    a calm, steady state with no sudden changes

  • order

    a state where rules are followed and things run smoothly

Grammar Patterns

turbulence + in + noun phrase

Usage Note

More formal than 'chaos' or 'mess'. Often used with nouns like 'political', 'economic', or 'social' to specify the area of disorder.

2. sudden, irregular movements of air or water that make things shake or move rough

2.nounB2
Definition

sudden, irregular movements of air or water that make things shake or move roughly

Example

The sudden turbulence threw luggage from the overhead bins onto the floor.

collocation: sudden turbulence

The turbulence over the mountains jolted the plane so hard that Dario spilled his coffee.

Common collocations
  • heavy turbulence
  • severe turbulence
  • air turbulence
  • atmospheric turbulence
  • clear-air turbulence
  • patch of turbulence
  • experience turbulence
  • hit turbulence
  • sudden turbulence
Synonyms
  • rough air

    informal term used specifically for bumpy conditions on a plane

  • buffeting

    more technical; describes repeated strong impacts from wind or water against something

Antonyms
  • calm

    smooth, still conditions in air or water with no sudden movement

Grammar Patterns

turbulence + in + noun phrase

Usage Note

Most commonly used for air travel. Can describe any fluid (air, water, gas) but to most English speakers it first suggests a bumpy plane ride.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe situations in which things are not calm, but they differ in intensity and focus. Turbulence (the most formal) suggests a series of violent, unpredictable changes within an existing system — like a plane shaking or a government in crisis. Chaos is stronger and more informal, painting a picture of total confusion where nothing works properly. Upheaval emphasises a dramatic, disruptive shift — the ground being turned over, so to speak — and is common for social or political change. Instability is less dramatic; it describes a fragile condition that could easily turn into something worse. For example, a country might face 'economic turbulence' (sharp ups and downs in prices and jobs), but 'economic chaos' would mean complete collapse.

turbulence ↗chaos ↗upheavalinstability ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • period of turbulence
  • years of turbulence
  • patch of turbulence

Prepositions

  • turbulence in

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'turba' meaning 'crowd, confusion, or disorder'. The word entered French as 'turbulence' and then came into English in the 1400s. It first described physical agitation of air or water, and by the 1800s it had also come to mean social or political disorder.