headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind 

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

In a political world where the GOP's House majority is just five seats, those inch-by-inch advantages could temper Republican losses in the midterms despite the headwinds of an unpopular war and high gas prices. —Susan Page, USA Today, 11 May 2026

Where there are headwinds, there are tailwinds. —Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026

Tariffs on Chinese manufacturing, economic headwinds in retail, and the fallout of the Target boycott have all tested the brand in ways a projection chart can’t fully capture. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026

While the first quarter earnings were moderately better than expected and should improve 2026 estimates, headwinds will likely keep Berkshire’s full-year operating earnings growth at the low single digits at best. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headwind

• chagrined
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned
• skinned

Kids Definition

headwind

noun

head·​wind -ˌwind 

: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)