headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
plural headwinds
1
: a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)
2
: a force or influence that inhibits progress
Power-plant construction is facing headwinds in the U.S. as renewable energy projects and slack demand throw the economics of new generators into question.Thomas Black
For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.Kevin Simpson
The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …Heidi M. Przybyla

Examples of headwind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While similar headwinds could persist into Q3 for Intel, the company could see some incremental upside from its Sapphire Rapids processors. Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Analysts were initially wary about Malaysia’s prospects this year, as macroeconomic headwinds threatened trade flows. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 17 Oct. 2024 But the company later retreated from those plans and faced greater headwinds breaking into Hollywood as the Chinese government clamped down on overseas investments, particularly those in the media and entertainment space. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Yet, American consumers have proven resilient in the face of economic headwinds. Tim Wennes, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headwind 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'headwind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headwind was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near headwind

Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

headwind

noun
head·​wind -ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)

More from Merriam-Webster on headwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!