Headway

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Headway

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HED-way  /ˈhɛdweɪ/

Definition

Forward movement or progress, especially when achieved against resistance or difficulty; in nautical use, the forward motion of a vessel through water.

Plain meaning

Headway means progress — especially progress that is being made against some obstacle or resistance. Making headway on a project means moving forward despite difficulties. In sailing, headway is the forward movement of a ship through water.

Register

Neutral and slightly formal. Make headway is a standard expression in journalism, business, and everyday speech. It carries an implicit sense of difficulty — you make headway when there is something to make headway against. Simply moving forward without resistance is not typically described as making headway.