a watershed moment — turning point
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an event or point in time that marks a significant and often permanent change in a situation, especially one that has a major impact on what happens next.
Say it like a native
Textbook The election was a point in time that marked a major and lasting change.
Native The election was a watershed moment.
'A watershed moment' names a decisive, history-dividing turning point.
Pattern: a watershed moment (in something/for someone)
In use
- The introduction of smartphones was a watershed moment in the way we communicate.society
- I believe that moving abroad was a watershed moment in my life because it completely changed my perspective and opened up new opportunities.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It was a watershade moment for the company.
✓ It was a watershed moment for the company.
It's 'watershed' (a ridge dividing rivers), not 'watershade'.
Common collocations
a watershed moment/year— moment, year, mark, in history
Don't confuse it
Unlike a general 'important moment', a 'watershed moment' specifically signals a major shift or transformation, not just any significant event.