go-around: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (in aviation); Informal/Figurative (in general use).
Quick answer
What does “go-around” mean?
A procedure in aviation where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt, climbs, and circles to make another approach.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A procedure in aviation where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt, climbs, and circles to make another approach.
More broadly, any instance of avoiding a problem, dispute, or confrontation by taking an indirect approach, reconsidering, or trying again.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Go-around' is standard in both aviation contexts. The hyphenated form is common for the noun; the verb phrase is 'to go around' (something).
Connotations
Identical connotations in technical use. In figurative use, can imply prudence (in aviation) or indecisiveness/evasiveness (in personal contexts).
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to larger aviation industry and media coverage. The figurative use is common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “go-around” in a Sentence
N + V: The pilot executed a go-around.V + Prep (figurative): We need to go around the main issue.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go-around” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The go-around was necessitated by a vehicle on the runway.
- I'm tired of these constant go-arounds in our meetings.
American English
- The controller cleared the jet for a go-around.
- Let's skip the usual go-around and get straight to the point.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively to describe avoiding a contentious issue in negotiations. 'The CEO suggested a go-around to avoid a shareholder revolt.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in case studies of risk management or human factors in aviation.
Everyday
Used figuratively to describe repeated arguments or avoiding direct action. 'We had the same go-around about chores last week.'
Technical
Standard term in aviation manuals, ATC communications, and pilot training. 'Tower, Speedbird 123, going around.'
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “go-around”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go-around”
- Using 'go-around' as a verb (correct: 'to go around'). Confusing it with 'runaround' (which implies deliberate evasion/delay).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun (the procedure/event), it is hyphenated: 'go-around'. As a verb phrase, it is two words: 'to go around'.
Safety. Common reasons include an unstable approach, runway obstruction, poor visibility, or instructions from air traffic control.
A 'go-around' is a specific procedure or a fresh attempt. A 'runaround' is intentionally unhelpful treatment, like being given excuses or sent to different people to avoid answering you.
In aviation, it is a positive, safety-critical procedure. Figuratively, it is usually neutral or slightly negative, implying avoidance or inefficiency, though can be positive if it leads to a better solution ('a creative go-around').
A procedure in aviation where an aircraft aborts its landing attempt, climbs, and circles to make another approach.
Go-around is usually formal/technical (in aviation); informal/figurative (in general use). in register.
Go-around: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ əˌraʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ əˌraʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let's not have another go-around about this. (meaning: let's not argue about this again)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an airplane GOing AROUND the airport for another try, instead of going straight in.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE OBSTACLES / DIRECTIONS. Solving a problem is moving past an obstacle; avoiding it is going around it.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does 'having a go-around' typically imply?