Inroads

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnɹəʊdz/

Definitions

1. The gradual formation of influence or presence within a field or group
2. Progress made by entering or affecting a new area or sector
3. Successful steps taken to gain a foothold or influence in a different domain

Etymology: The word began as a military and raiding term. "Road" here does not mean a paved path but the old sense of "riding," and an "inroad" was a hostile ride into enemy territory, a raid on horseback. The "in" simply means "into," so the literal picture is of riders charging into someone else's land. Over time the sense softened from physical invasion to figurative encroachment. Someone who makes inroads into a market or an institution is no longer burning villages but steadily gaining ground, which is the sense that remains today. The noun also gave rise to a verb, which follows the same path from raiding to gradual advance. The plural "inroads" is simply the common form in modern use, usually followed by "into" or "on," as in making inroads into a new field.

Synonyms: gains, advances, progress, strides, penetrations

Antonyms: setbacks, losses, retreats