inroad

noun

in·​road ˈin-ˌrōd 

plural inroads

1

: an advance or penetration often at the expense of someone or something

—usually used in plural

2

: a sudden hostile incursion : raid

Did you know?

Inroad is a combination of in and road, both of which are pretty mundane, as far as words go. But the first-and-oldest-meaning of inroad hints at a meaning of road other than the "way for traveling" one. Beginning back in the days of Old English, road referred to an armed hostile incursion made on horseback. (Raid comes from this use of road and also formerly specified incursions on horseback.) Road, as well as inroad, has lost its violent connotation. While inroads are often made at the expense of someone or something, they are at times simply advances, as when an artist is said to be "making inroads into a community."

Synonyms

• descent
• foray
• incursion
• invasion
• irruption
• raid

Examples of inroad in a Sentence

the army is finally making inroads into enemy territory

Recent Examples on the Web

Target planning is underway and Turton is particularly keen on making inroads in the U.S., where All3Media America is responsible for shows including Discovery’s Homestead Rescue. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2024

Progress made in New Mexico wildfires as authorities seek culprits Firefighters have made inroads on the two wildfires that have killed two people and displaced thousands on Mescalero Tribal land and in the area of Ruidoso, about two hours outside Albuquerque. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024

But can music make inroads among those who have little use for America’s government, economic system or social mores? —Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 25 June 2024

Post Malone has steadily made inroads into Nashville and the country genre, most recently making his Bluebird Cafe debut and performing an acoustic set in the round with Lainey Wilson and songwriter Ashley Gorley, as well as singer-songwriter Ernest. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

inroad

noun

in·​road ˈin-ˌrōd 

1

: a sudden hostile invasion : raid

2

: an important advance often at the expense of someone or something

making inroads against the competition