What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
headroom
Example
The airplane had plenty of headroom for passengers to stand up. [headroom: noun]
Example
The car has good headroom, even for tall drivers. [headroom: noun]
clearance
Example
The truck barely had enough clearance to fit under the low bridge. [clearance: noun]
Example
The construction project requires clearance from the city council. [clearance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clearance is more commonly used than headroom in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile. Headroom is more specific and is often used in transportation contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between headroom and clearance?
Both headroom and clearance are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.