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

Shares are down about 45% year to date as the footwear firm has struggled to turn around its struggling business, partially due to a lack of innovation in its footwear business and macroeconomic headwinds, among other factors. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Marshall’s campaign has faced headwinds in recent weeks amid scrutiny over his medical debt collection practices as a physician in Great Bend. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Related Articles With China’s domestic market continuing to face headwinds, commercial galleries are already bearing the brunt. — Hok-Hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 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)