paradigm shift

[par-uh-dahym shift]

noun

1. a dramatic change in the paradigm of a scientific community, or a change from one scientific paradigm to another.

2. a significant change in the paradigm of any discipline or group.

   Putting skilled, tenured teachers in failing schools would cause a paradigm shift in teaching and education.

paradigm shift

noun

1. a radical change in underlying beliefs or theory

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradigm shift¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradigm shift¹

C20: coined by T.S. Kuhn (1922–96), US philosopher of science