English Reference
adverb · adjective

halfway

adv. · adj.
US /ˈhæfˈweɪ/ UK /hˈɑːfweɪ/ half·way

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adv.at or to the middle point between two places, times, or events.

    adv.at or to a point equidistant between two limits; in the middle of a journey or process.

    Simple

    We stopped for lunch when we were halfway to the coast.

    In context

    The marathon runners reached the halfway mark in just under sixty-five minutes, maintaining a pace that suggested a record-breaking finish.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adv.partly or to some extent, but not completely.

    adv.to a partial degree; moderately or somewhat. Often used in negative constructions to indicate a lack of effort.

    Simple

    I was halfway through my dinner when the phone rang.

    In context

    If you are only halfway decent at your job, you should at least be able to answer a basic customer enquiry.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.being in the middle of a distance or a period of time.

    adj.situated at or constituting a midpoint. Usually non-gradable.

    Simple

    The halfway point of the project is usually the most difficult time.

    In context

    The negotiators reached a halfway house agreement that satisfied the core demands of both the union and the management.

Sammie Szmodics, who scored in the EFL Cup loss to Lincoln, put Derby into a lead at the halfway point.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

Check every box perfectly and not halfway,” Hannah said.

The Conversation· 31 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated