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

Musk’s rocket company has been caught up in major headwinds for the Nasdaq as a whole. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026

Consumers’ appetite for luxury goods is picking up despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

However, during a second-quarter earnings call, Disney leaders said the park was starting to move past those headwinds. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Tradeweb shares are off more than 4% in 2026, but analyst Alexander Blostein urged investors to remain calm and buy the stock despite several headwinds. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 5 July 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)