# headway

/ˈhɛdˌweɪ/ (US) · /hˈɛdweɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/headway
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. progress toward a goal

noun · CEFR B2

progress that you make toward finishing something, especially when it is difficult.

For teachers: figurative progress toward a goal or completion of a task, typically used with the verb 'make'.

- We are finally making some headway with the project after weeks of delays.
- Despite the initial bureaucratic hurdles, the research team has made significant headway in identifying the protein's primary function.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'to make headway'.

### 2. forward motion

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the forward movement of a ship or vehicle.

For teachers: the physical forward motion of a vessel or vehicle, or the rate of such motion.

- The ship struggled to make headway against the strong winds and high waves.
- The captain noted that the vessel was barely making headway due to the severe mechanical failure in the primary engine.

Usage: Often used in nautical or transport contexts.

### 3. vehicle frequency

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the amount of time or distance between two buses or trains on the same route.

For teachers: the temporal or spatial interval between two vehicles travelling in succession on the same route.

- The city increased the bus headway to ten minutes during the morning rush hour.
- To reduce platform crowding, the transit authority proposed shortening the headway between subway trains to ninety seconds.

Usage: Used primarily in urban planning and public transport logistics.

### 4. clearance height

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the vertical space under a bridge or ceiling.

For teachers: the vertical distance between the floor or ground and the underside of a structure above it.

- The truck was too tall for the tunnel because there wasn't enough headway.
- The architect had to adjust the design of the mezzanine to ensure sufficient headway for taller visitors.

## Examples

- We are finally making some headway with the project.
- After hours of difficult negotiations, the two sides finally made some headway on the new trade agreement.
- Despite the initial resistance from the local community, the developers have made significant headway in securing the necessary permits for the renewable energy site.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.