Incursion vs Security is showing a break-in

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Incursion

FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Security is showing a break-in

Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: IncursionMost common: Security is showing a break-in
 IncursionSecurity is showing a break-in
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɪnˈkɜːʃən//🇺🇸 //ɪnˈkɜrʒən//🇬🇧 //sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti ɪz ˈʃoʊ.ɪŋ ə ˈbreɪk-ɪn//🇺🇸 //sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.ti ɪz ˈʃoʊ.ɪŋ ə ˈbreɪk-ɪn//
MeaningAn invasion or a sudden attack.A break-in is when someone enters a building illegally to steal or cause harm.
ExampleThe army launched an incursion into enemy territory last night.The police reported that security is showing a break-in at the local jewelry store.
RegisterFormalNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationsmilitary incursion, border incursion, incursion into territory, sudden incursion, illegal incursionsecurity footage, detect a break-in, report a break-in, prevent a break-in, investigate a break-in
Common mistakesConfused with 'incursion' vs 'incursion of' context usage., Mispronunciation, especially with stress on wrong syllable., Overusing in everyday speech instead of simpler terms.Confused with 'burglary', which refers specifically to the crime of breaking in., Using 'break-in' to refer to legal entries., Inaccurately using 'break-in' for events not involving theft.
Usage notesUsed in formal contexts, often in military or legal discussions. Avoid in casual conversations.Use 'break-in' mainly in news reports or safety discussions. Avoid casual conversation.

See it in real clips

Security is showing a break-in

Frequently asked questions: Incursion vs Security is showing a break-in

What's the difference between Incursion and Security is showing a break-in?

Incursion: An invasion or a sudden attack. Security is showing a break-in: A break-in is when someone enters a building illegally to steal or cause harm.

Which is more formal: Incursion and Security is showing a break-in?

Incursion is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Incursion and Security is showing a break-in?

Security is showing a break-in is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Incursion: The army launched an incursion into enemy territory last night. Security is showing a break-in: The police reported that security is showing a break-in at the local jewelry store.

Can I use Incursion and Security is showing a break-in interchangeably?

Not always. Incursion and Security is showing a break-in are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons