ENGLISH
REFERENCE

traction

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈtɹækʃən// UK //tɹˈækʃən// trac·tion

n. the support or interest that a new idea or product gets from people. It can also mean the grip a tire has on the road to keep it from sliding.

n. the extent to which a product, idea, or movement gains popularity or acceptance among a target audience. Also refers to the adhesive friction between a body and the surface on which it moves.


SIMPLE

The new app is finally gaining traction among young users.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite a strong launch, the political campaign failed to gain traction in the rural districts where voters remained skeptical.

COMPLEX

While the initial prototype was technically sound, it struggled to find market traction until the company pivoted its branding to emphasize environmental sustainability.

Synonyms
Origin

From Medieval Latin tractio, from Latin tractus, perfect passive participle of verb trahere (“pull”), + noun of action suffix -io (genitive -ionis).

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'gain', 'lose', or 'find'.

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