turbulence
word
/ˈtɝbjəɫəns/
/tˈɜːbjʊləns/
Definition
Turbulence is irregular or violent movement, especially of air or water. It is also used to describe a period of disorder or confusion.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in aviation ('air turbulence'), weather, and metaphorically for times of chaos ('political turbulence'). Not used to describe minor shaking or everyday events. Avoid confusing with 'disturbance' or 'bump'.
Spanish: turbulenciaPortuguese (BR): turbulênciaPortuguese (PT): turbulênciaChinese (Simplified): 湍流 - 乱流 - 动荡Chinese (Traditional): 湍流 - 亂流 - 動盪Hindi: अशांतिArabic: اضطراب - اضطرابات (هواء أو مياه)Bengali: অস্থিরতা - ঝটকা (বিমান, জল) - বিশৃঙ্খলা (সমাজ, রাজনীতি)Russian: турбулентность - буря (переносно)Japanese: 乱気流 - 混乱（比喩的）Vietnamese: nhiễu động - sự hỗn loạn (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 난기류 - 혼란 (비유적)Turkish: türbülans - karmaşa (mecazi)Urdu: ہلچل - غیریقینی کیفیت (سیاسی یا سماجی)Indonesian: turbulensi - kekacauan (kiasan)
Example Sentences
The plane shook because of turbulence.
basic
Ocean turbulence made it hard to swim.
basic
There was a lot of turbulence during the storm.
basic
Passengers were advised to stay seated because of unexpected turbulence.
natural
The country went through years of political turbulence.
natural
You’ll probably feel some turbulence as we fly over the mountains.
natural