traction
The extent to which an idea or product gains acceptance
Examples
In a meeting
“Our new marketing campaign is finally gaining traction.”
Over coffee
“My YouTube channel isn't getting much traction yet.”
Why this word
progress
traction implies gaining momentum and market/user adoption, while progress is general forward movement
success
traction specifically means growing interest and adoption metrics, while success is broader outcome-focused
momentum
traction emphasizes measurable market uptake and growth, while momentum is more abstract about forward motion
Usage tip
Use to describe momentum or growing acceptance; particularly common in business and startup contexts
Etymology
Latin: tractio (drawing, pulling), from trahere (to pull)
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Related words
expand
To make something larger, more extensive, or more detailed
proliferate
To increase rapidly in number; multiply
milestone
A significant point or achievement in a process
plateau
Reach a stable level after growth, with no further increase
scalable
Able to be increased in size or scope to handle growth.
cultivate
To develop or nurture something over time through effort and attention.