In differential topology, a mathematical discipline, and more specifically in Morse theory, a gradient-like vector field is a generalization of gradient vector field.
The primary motivation is as a technical tool in the construction of Morse functions, to show that one can construct a function whose critical points are at distinct levels. One first constructs a Morse function, then uses gradient-like vector fields to move around the critical points, yielding a different Morse function.
Definition Given a Morse function f on a manifold M, a gradient-like vector field X for the function f is, informally: away from critical points, X points "in the same direction as" the gradient of f, and near a critical point (in the neighborhood of a critical point), it equals the gradient of f, when f is written in standard form given in the Morse lemmas. Formally:p. 63 away from critical points, around every critical point there is a neighborhood on which f is given as in the Morse lemmas:
and on which X equals the gradient of f.
Dynamical system The associated dynamical system of a gradient-like vector field, a gradient-like dynamical system, is a special case of a Morse–Smale system.
References
An introduction to Morse theory, Yukio Matsumoto, 2002, Section 2.3: Gradient-like vector fields, p. 56–69 Gradient-Like Vector Fields Exist , September 25, 2009