make no headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make no headway" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to make no progress or have no success. For example: Despite our efforts, we were unable to solve the problem and made no headway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Unlike at Lord's he could make no headway.

The Guardian - Sport

A Pleasant Sort could make no headway: Typecast showed little.

The New York Times

Belisarius could make no headway without adequate reinforcements, and in 549 he was recalled to Constantinople.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the endgame, Gelfand could make no headway, and the players eventually agreed to a draw.

The New York Times

If one of the pair crosses the horizon, it can make no headway and so becomes trapped.

MIT Technology Review

"Hospitals Make No Headway in Curbing Errors, Study Says" (front page, Nov. 25) details the tragic lack of compliance in the United States with best hospital practices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The French president made no headway.

The Guardian

Negotiations have made no headway so far.

The New York Times

[U.N. envoy Lakhdar] Brahimi has been making no headway diplomatically.

The New York Times

International mediators and Western diplomats have made no headway.

The Economist

Even an articulate, sympathetic lawyer (Campbell Scott) makes no headway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations where initial progress stalls, consider pairing "make no headway" with explanatory phrases detailing the obstacles encountered.

Common error

Avoid using "make no headway" when the problem is a lack of effort, not a lack of progress despite trying. The phrase implies effort is being exerted, but results are not being achieved.

Linguistic Context

"Make no headway" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a lack of advancement or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly used to describe situations where efforts do not yield the desired results, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make no headway" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe a lack of progress despite effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. The phrase functions to convey frustration or disappointment about the lack of advancement. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "make no progress" or "gain no ground", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure you use the phrase when actual effort is being expended, and not simply when there is a lack of action. The phrase can describe both physical and abstract movement, but it is more frequently applied to the latter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make no progress

This alternative is a more literal and direct way of saying that progress is not being made.

gain no ground

This alternative uses a different metaphor, implying that no territory or advantage is being gained.

achieve no results

This alternative focuses on the lack of tangible outcomes or accomplishments.

fail to advance

This alternative emphasizes the inability to move forward or make advancements.

come to a standstill

This alternative describes a situation where progress has completely stopped.

hit a brick wall

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that indicates encountering an insurmountable obstacle.

be stuck in a rut

This alternative suggests being trapped in a situation with no forward movement.

make no impact

This alternative suggests a lack of influence or effect, implying no progress is being made towards a goal.

spin one's wheels

This alternative is an idiomatic expression suggesting wasted effort with no results.

be unable to break through

This alternative highlights the inability to overcome barriers or achieve a breakthrough.

FAQs

How can I use "make no headway" in a sentence?

You can use "make no headway" to describe a situation where someone or something is not progressing despite effort. For example, "The negotiations "made no headway" despite weeks of discussion".

What are some alternatives to "make no headway"?

Some alternatives to "make no headway" include "make no progress", "gain no ground", and "achieve no results". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "make no headway" or "make no progress"?

"Make no headway" is slightly more idiomatic, while "make no progress" is more direct and neutral. Both are acceptable in most formal and informal contexts.

Can "make no headway" be used to describe physical movement?

While typically used for abstract progress, "make no headway" can describe physical movement in situations where forward motion is difficult or impossible. For example, "The car "made no headway" in the deep snow".