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

However, shares of Apple edged down following its earnings report due to concerns about macroeconomic headwinds that look likely to foil the firm's future growth. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Comcast is about to split off NBCUniversal from its connectivity business, which faces similar headwinds. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

Louvet attributed Europe’s slower growth (up 3% vs 5% in Q1) to the prior year’s strong comparison base, coupled with industry headwinds. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

But Marshall’s campaign faced headwinds in the race’s final weeks, including concerns about his medical debt practices as a physician and longstanding questions about his residency. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 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)