The ground-state properties of holmium isotopes ($N=74–186$) are systematically studied using the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc). Significant deformation is found across the isotopic chain. Compared to the spherical relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) approach, the DRHBc theory substantially improves the description of binding energies and neutron separation energies. Abrupt shape transitions between prolate and oblate deformations occur between some neighboring isotopes, arising from two nearly degenerate local minima on the potential-energy curves. Triaxial deformation-constrained calculations reveal a soft potential-energy surface along the $\gamma$ direction, connecting the prolate and oblate shapes for these abrupt shape-transition nuclei. The asymmetric splitting of high-angular-momentum orbitals on prolate and oblate sides may drive the configuration competition, leading to the soft potential-energy surface and resulting in shape transitions.

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• Binding energy & masses
• Nuclear shapes and moments
• Nuclear structure & decays
• 150 ≤ A ≤ 189
• 90 ≤ A ≤ 149
• Nuclear many-body theory