inroad

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   An advance into enemy territory, an attempted invasion; an encroachment, an incursion.
2. 2
   Often followed by in, into, or on: initial progress made toward accomplishing a goal or solving a problem.

Verb

1. 1
   To make advances or incursions.
2. 2
   To make an inroad into (something).

Proper noun

1. 1
   A barangay of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines.