Meaning & Definition of word "Headway"

Headway

/ˈhɛdˌweɪ/

noun:

  • 1. Forward movement or progress, especially in a difficult situation.
    • Example: Despite the challenges, we made significant headway in the project this week.
  • 2. The distance traveled in a forward direction.
    • Example: The ship made good headway through the turbulent waters.
  • 3. An advance or progress toward a goal.
    • Example: The team is finally starting to gain headway on their research.
  • 4. A progress or improvement in understanding or knowledge.
    • Example: The study helped them make headway in understanding the disease.

Etymology

From 'head' + 'way', meaning the way ahead.

Common Phrases and Expressions

make headway:

To make progress

gain headway:

To achieve progress or advancement

lose headway:

To fail to progress or to make less progress

Related Words

progress:

Forward or onward movement towards a destination.

advancement:

The process of promoting or moving forward.

movement:

An act of changing physical location or position.

Slang Meanings of headway

Meaning: Getting things done; making progress.

Example Sentence: We're really getting our headway on this task!

Meaning: Seeing improvement in a situation.

Example Sentence: I'm finally starting to see some headway in this mess.