momentum

IPA/məˈmentəm/
KK[momˈɛntəm]IPA/məʊˈmentəm/

momentum — noun

1. the force or quantity of movement that a moving object carries, found by multipl

1.nounB2
Definition

the force or quantity of movement that a moving object carries, found by multiplying the object's mass by how fast it travels — in physics, mass times velocity.

Example

Ravi's toy car gained momentum as it rolled down the wooden ramp.

collocation: gather / gain momentum

A heavy truck has far more momentum than a small car, so stopping takes much longer.

comparative use: more momentum than

Common collocations
  • gain momentum
  • gather momentum
  • maintain momentum
  • lose momentum
  • conservation of momentum
  • angular momentum
Synonyms
  • force

    a more general term for strength or energy; momentum is the specific force of a moving object

  • impetus

    more formal, often refers to the starting push rather than continued movement

Grammar Patterns

momentum of [something]

gather / gain / maintain momentum

Usage Note

Frequently paired with verbs like 'gain', 'gather', 'maintain', and 'lose'. In physics, often followed by 'of' to identify the moving object.

Common Mistakes

The car's momentums increased as it went downhill.
The car's momentum increased as it went downhill.
momentum is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form.

2. the positive energy or force that helps a process, campaign, or activity to keep

2.nounB2
Definition

the positive energy or force that helps a process, campaign, or activity to keep moving forward and not slow down.

Example

The campaign to save the old library gained momentum after the local newspaper wrote about it.

collocation: gain momentum

The peace talks lost momentum when the two sides could not agree on a date for the next meeting.

collocation: lose momentum

Common collocations
  • gain momentum
  • build momentum
  • gather momentum
  • lose momentum
  • maintain momentum
  • political momentum
  • economic momentum
Synonyms
  • drive

    focuses on personal energy and determination to succeed

  • impetus

    refers to the force that makes something happen or develop faster

  • thrust

    the main forward force or purpose behind a movement

Antonyms
  • resistance

    a force that acts against progress or change

  • stagnation

    a state where no progress or development is happening

Grammar Patterns

gain / build / lose momentum

[something] gathers momentum

Usage Note

Common in news, business, and sports contexts. Unlike sense 1, the subject is always an event, movement, or process — never a physical object.

Common Mistakes

The project has a big momentum now.
The project has gained a lot of momentum now.
momentum is not simply 'had'; it is typically gained, built, or gathered over time.