hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s 

1

: the state of being interfered with, held back, or slowed down : the state of being hindered

hindrance of speech

2

: a person or thing that interferes with or slows the progress of someone or something : impediment

a hindrance to learning

3

: the act of interfering with or slowing the progress of someone or something : the action of hindering

should be allowed to live where he chooses without hindrance

Synonyms of hindrance

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment

Examples of hindrance in a Sentence

Is my presence here a help or a hindrance?

made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs

Recent Examples on the Web

And the steady rain that fell on the tens of thousands packing Nationals Park – the only stadium show of the tour located 4 miles from the White House – could have been a hindrance to lesser artists. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Some episodes feature mystery box twists containing advantages and hindrances that throw the competition into chaos. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 May 2026

View gallery - 3 images One of the hindrances to large-scale solar adoption, especially in cities, is where to install the chunky panels. —New Atlas, 26 May 2026

But this isn't the first time that Hardy's behavior has been considered a hindrance to a production. —Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hindrance

• without let or hindrance

Kids Definition

hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s 

1

: the state of being hindered

2

: the action of hindering

3

: something that hinders : impediment