headway

¹ American  

[hed-wey] / ˈhɛdˌweɪ /

noun

1. forward movement; progress in a forward direction.

   The ship's headway was slowed by the storm.

2. progress in general.

   headway in a career.

3. rate of progress.

   a slight headway against concerted opposition.

4. the time interval or distance between two vehicles, as automobiles, ships, or railroad or subway cars, traveling in the same direction over the same route.

---

idioms

1. make headway, to proceed forward; advance; progress.

headway ² American  

[hed-wey] / ˈhɛdˌweɪ /

noun

1. headroom.

---

headway British  

/ ˈhɛdˌweɪ /

noun

1. motion in a forward direction

   the vessel made no headway

2. progress or rate of progress

   he made no headway with the problem

3. another name for headroom

4. the distance or time between consecutive trains, buses, etc, on the same route

---

headway More Idioms  

1. see make headway.

---

Etymology

Origin of headway¹

First recorded in 1700–10; (a)head + way ¹

Origin of headway²

First recorded in 1700–10; head + way ¹

Example Sentences

He didn’t seem to be making any headway at all.

From Literature

A month ago, I highlighted the fragility in the financial sector, arguing that the broader market would struggle to make meaningful headway without its participation.

From Barron's

Her remarks came a day after Iran and the US said they had made headway in talks taking place in Geneva about Tehran's nuclear programme.

From BBC

She’s also worried that her publisher is going to make her pay back the advance for the book about Plath and Hughes that she’s been unable to make any headway on.

From Los Angeles Times

Do you think global leaders at Davos will be able to make headway on difficult issues given current political and economic complexities?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• advancement