turbulence

/ˈtʌrbjələns/

/ˈtʌbjələns/

Other forms: turbulences

Use the noun turbulence to describe instability or disturbance. If you’re on an airplane during a storm, turbulence is that horrible thing that is causing the plane (and your stomach) to bounce around.

The word turbulence can be used to refer to atmospheric instability, such as sudden, unpredictable air movements resulting from a storm, but the word has a broader meaning as well and you will often hear it used to describe any situation characterized by unrest and disorder. If your stocks are fluctuating wildly in price, that could be a result of turbulence in the stock market. If last year was filled with unpredictable change, you could describe it as a year of great turbulence.

Definitions of turbulence

1. noun

   instability in the atmosphere
   types:

   clear-air turbulence

   strong turbulence in an otherwise cloudless region that subjects aircraft to violent updrafts or downdrafts

   type of:

   bad weather, inclemency, inclementness

   weather unsuitable for outdoor activities
2. noun

   a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
   “the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence”

   synonyms: Sturm und Drang, upheaval

   types:

   agitation, ferment, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest

   a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

   roller coaster

   anything characterized by abrupt and extreme changes (especially up and down)

   violence

   a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.

   rage

   violent state of the elements

   type of:

   disorder

   a disturbance of the peace or of public order
3. noun

   unstable flow of a liquid or gas
   synonyms: turbulency

   types:

   countercurrent, crosscurrent, rip, riptide, tide rip

   a stretch of turbulent water in a river or the sea caused by one current flowing into or across another current

   type of:

   physical phenomenon

   a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy