Make inroads into/on something
verb phrase
To start to have an effect or influence on something or someone, often by making things better.
The new educational program began making inroads into improving childhood literacy.
Often appears as...
- make inroads into the market
- make inroads into a territory
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To advance or make progress in an area where there was previously little or no activity or success.
With their innovative product, the company made inroads into the competitive tech industry.
Often appears as...
- make inroads into foreign markets
- make inroads into a sector
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To start to have an effect or influence on something or someone, often by making things better.
The new educational program began making inroads into improving childhood literacy.
Often appears as...
- make inroads into the market
- make inroads into a territory
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To advance or make progress in an area where there was previously little or no activity or success.
With their innovative product, the company made inroads into the competitive tech industry.
Often appears as...
- make inroads into foreign markets
- make inroads into a sector
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Influence
It's often used when the effect being made is positive or beneficial.
The charity event started making inroads into supporting the local homeless community.
Pro Tip 2/3Gradual Effect
The phrase suggests a gradual process, not an immediate impact.
They are slowly making inroads into the problem of plastic waste in oceans.
Pro Tip 3/3Ongoing Action
Use it for actions in progress, rather than completed tasks.
Her research is making inroads into finding a cure for the disease.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Influence
It's often used when the effect being made is positive or beneficial.
The charity event started making inroads into supporting the local homeless community.
Pro Tip 2/3Gradual Effect
The phrase suggests a gradual process, not an immediate impact.
They are slowly making inroads into the problem of plastic waste in oceans.
Pro Tip 3/3Ongoing Action
Use it for actions in progress, rather than completed tasks.
Her research is making inroads into finding a cure for the disease.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Influence
It's often used when the effect being made is positive or beneficial.
The charity event started making inroads into supporting the local homeless community.
Pro Tip 2/3Gradual Effect
The phrase suggests a gradual process, not an immediate impact.
They are slowly making inroads into the problem of plastic waste in oceans.
Pro Tip 3/3Ongoing Action
Use it for actions in progress, rather than completed tasks.
Her research is making inroads into finding a cure for the disease.
Never forget "Make inroads into/on something"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension