The phrase "makes inroads" usually denotes progress or advancement in a particular area. The antonyms for this phrase are words and phrases that convey a sense of stagnation, decline, or lack of progress. Some antonyms for "makes inroads" might include "stagnates," "regresses," "falls behind," "loses ground," and "stales." These words and phrases suggest that progress is not being made or is actually being reversed. They can be used to describe various situations, including economic, social, or political, where progress is not being made. So, the opposite of "makes inroads" would be anything that suggests a lack of progress or movement.