Discontinuous

Discontinuous describes something that lacks continuity; interrupted or broken. It signifies a state of having gaps, breaks, or abrupt changes, rather than flowing smoothly or consistently. It often refers to phenomena that are not uniform or consistent in space, time, or form. This can relate to physical objects, processes, data, or even abstract ideas. The essence lies in the absence of an unbroken or uninterrupted connection, relationship, or progression. Discontinuity can be a significant aspect of various fields, including mathematics, physics, and social sciences, affecting how we understand and interact with the world around us.

Discontinuous meaning with examples

• The historian pointed out the discontinuous nature of societal progress, marked by periods of advancement followed by setbacks and regressions. This cyclical pattern illustrated how history wasn't a continuous, linear journey towards improvement, but rather an irregular and interrupted evolution.
• The stream, once a continuous flow, became discontinuous during the drought. Isolated pools remained, disconnected from each other, as the water dried up. This visible disruption of the waterway clearly demonstrated the lack of continuous supply due to the lack of rain.
• The plot of the film was discontinuous, with sudden shifts in time and perspective. The viewer experienced difficulties following the story, feeling disconnected and confused by the abrupt jumps and transitions between scenes.
• The data showed a discontinuous distribution of income, with significant disparities between the highest and lowest earners. This gap created a lack of balance, showing the social imbalance of the society studied.