Meaning & use
gain momentum
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
to become stronger, faster, or more important as time passes
Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase; the subject is the thing that is growing.
Patterns
- something gains momentum
The protest movement gained momentum after the video went viral.
Their campaign is gaining momentum as more volunteers join every day.
The idea of remote work gained momentum during the pandemic.
Common combinations
- gain momentum
- The project gained momentum after the first successful test.
- gather momentum
- The storm is gathering momentum as it moves north.
- build momentum
- The team is building momentum before the playoffs.
- lose momentum
- The campaign lost momentum after the scandal.
Synonyms and how they differ
- accelerate
- Used more for physical speed or rate of change; 'gain momentum' often suggests growing influence or support.
- pick up
- Informal and can mean to increase in speed or activity; 'gain momentum' is more formal and often about trends.
Opposites
Practice
The reform movement ______ after the election.
Choose one answer.
'Gain momentum' is a fixed phrase and 'momentum' is uncountable here, so no article or plural is used. 'Gained a momentum' and 'gained momentums' are incorrect because momentum is not countable in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gain momentum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.