What does turbulence mean?
Turbulence most commonly refers to the violent or irregular movement of air, as when an aircraft passes through churning currents. In fluid dynamics, it names an unstable flow in which velocity and pressure vary irregularly rather than following a smooth pattern. The word also has a well-established figurative use for disorder and upheaval, especially in politics, business, or personal life. Saying that a government faces turbulence suggests that its affairs have become unstable and difficult to manage. This dual meaning makes turbulence especially useful: the same word can describe both the physical movement of a fluid and the disorder of a complex human situation. Its associations with danger, instability, and unpredictability give it a serious, often dramatic tone, while the figurative sense can be used more broadly for any period of confusion or rapid change.
nounViolent or irregular movement of air or another fluid, especially movement that causes an unstable or disrupted flow. By extension, it refers to a state of disorder, confusion, upheaval, or instability in a situation or organization.
- Irregular or violent movement in a fluid, especially air.
- A state of disorder, confusion, or upheaval in a situation, institution, or period of life.
"Severe turbulence forced the aircraft to change its altitude and route."
"The plane encountered severe turbulence while crossing the storm front."
"The company remained successful despite years of political turbulence."
The usual form is singular or uncountable; plural forms are uncommon but valid.
"The simulations identified several distinct turbulences in the flow."
Turbulence can mean a bump in the air, a storm in the atmosphere, or upheaval in politics: one word for disorder in matter and society alike.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turbulence come from?
The word entered English from Old French turbulence, which was derived from Latin turbulentia, meaning disorder or agitation. Latin turbulentia was associated with turbulentus, meaning agitated or restless, and with turbare, meaning to agitate or disturb. The same Latin root underlies English words such as perturb, perturbation, turbulent, and disturbance, while the modern scientific sense developed through the study of irregular fluid motion.
Related word forms
How turbulence is actually used
In the physical sense, turbulence is commonly treated as an uncountable noun. In figurative use, it is somewhat formal and often describes political, economic, or organizational instability.
Easily confused with turbulence
Turbulence is irregular or violent movement, especially of a fluid, whereas turbid describes a liquid that is cloudy, muddy, or opaque.