trailbreaking

Clearing new ground

Trailbreaking is creating a path through untouched terrain, especially through deep snow.

Hunters, hikers, and cross-country skiers take turns trailbreaking to share the exhausting work of being first through.

The word extends to any pioneering effort: Her trailbreaking research opened new fields of study.

Compare trailblazing, which emphasizes marking a path for others to follow.

innovative

pioneering

First to explore territory

revolutionary · cutting-edge · transformative · game-changing · novel · inventive · original · ingenious · unprecedented · radical

pathfinding

exploration

Traveling through unknown regions

scouting · wayfinding · compass · trek · expedition · guide · terrain · wilderness · uncharted · unmarked

pioneering

frontier

Edge of settlement

westward · discovery · adventure · uncharted · territory · colonization · sodbuster · trapper · mountaineer · pathfinder

Opposites
innovation and pioneering

trailbreakingconventional

Following accepted practices

traditional · conformist · unoriginal · derivative · imitative

temporal position in development

trailbreakingtrailing

Following behind something

following · lagging · behind-the-times · belated · outdated

Family

break, trail, breaking, trailer, trailing, trails, breakthrough, trailblazer, trailers

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G