gap

noun (C)

1 A SPACE a space between two objects or two parts of an object because of something that is missing

(+ in): The neighbors' dog got in through a gap in the hedge. (+ between): Lou has big gaps between her front teeth.

2 DIFFERENCE a big difference between two situations, amounts, groups of people etc

(+ between): the widening gap between the rich and the poor | fill the gap: Donors will be asked to fill the gap between state funding and actual costs. | bridge the gap (=reduce the amount or importance of a difference): His films attempt to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. —see also: the generation gap generation

3 STH MISSING something that is missing that stops something else from being good or complete

(+ in): There are huge gaps in my knowledge of history. | Frank's death has left a big gap in my life.

4 IN A MOUNTAIN a low place between two higher parts of a mountain

5 IN TIME a period of time between two periods of time when nothing is happening: an awkward gap in the conversation

6 gap in the market an opportunity to develop a particular product and sell it because it has not been developed yet