traction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; common in business, medical, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “traction” mean?
The action of pulling something physically over a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of pulling something physically over a surface; the grip that something has on a surface to prevent slipping.
1. The ability of an idea, product, etc. to gain acceptance, momentum, or popularity. 2. The progress made in a difficult situation; the gaining of a foothold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meanings are identical. The metaphorical use is equally common in both. Spelling and pronunciation are the primary differences.
Connotations
Both share the core positive connotations of progress and gaining a foothold.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American business/media discourse, but widely used in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “traction” in a Sentence
N (gain/get/lose) tractionN have tractionV (provide) traction for NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “traction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form]
American English
- [No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form]
American English
- [No standard adjective form]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new marketing strategy is finally gaining traction with our target audience."
Academic
"The researcher's hypothesis gained little traction in the scientific community until new evidence emerged."
Everyday
"My car tyres have poor traction on icy roads."
Technical
"The patient's leg was placed in a traction device to align the fracture."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “traction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “traction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “traction”
- Using 'traction' as a verb (e.g., 'The idea tracted'). The verb is to 'gain/get traction'.
- Confusing with 'tractor' or 'attraction'.
- Using in a context where 'friction' is more appropriate (traction is desired grip, friction is the resisting force).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'traction' is only a noun. To express the action, use phrases like 'gain traction', 'get traction', or 'lose traction'.
'Friction' is the force that resists relative motion between surfaces. 'Traction' is the desirable application of friction (grip) to enable motion or prevent slipping. A tyre needs friction to provide traction.
Yes, in medicine, 'traction' refers to the sustained pulling on a limb or muscle to align bones or relieve pressure, e.g., 'skeletal traction'.
It means an idea, product, or project is beginning to be accepted, adopted, or is making noticeable progress after a slow start.
The action of pulling something physically over a surface.
Traction is usually formal to neutral; common in business, medical, and technical contexts. in register.
Traction: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrækʃn̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrækʃn̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gain traction”
- “get no traction”
- “pick up traction”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRACTOR; it needs good TRACTION to pull heavy loads on muddy ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOVING FORWARD (Momentum/Friction). IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS (They can gain or lose grip).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'traction' in its metaphorical sense?