Antonyms for the phrase "makes headway" typically suggest a lack of progress, stalled momentum, or even regression. Words such as "stagnate," "stall," "flounder," "backtrack," or "regress" convey an opposite meaning to the phrase "makes headway," which implies forward progress, growth or advancement. Negative synonyms of "headway" such as "hindrance," "obstacle," or "impasse" speak to a lack of advancement, while positive synonyms such as "advancement," "progression," or "forward motion" are in line with the idea of "making headway". In short, any words that suggest confinement, stasis, or retreat correspond as antonyms for "making headway.