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

Investors can now buy a steady DD% EPS grower below its avg multiple with headwinds behind it. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2026

The stock was down around 8 percent this week, and 23 percent over the past month—though this was amid sector-wide and AI-related headwinds as well as the developing scandals involving Huang. — Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2026

Europe’s two biggest economies are expected to beat growth forecasts despite economic headwinds, lifting hopes in a continent that has become the poster child for stagnation. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Another headwind for Proposition 40 was opposition from some of the state’s influential unions. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 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)