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

Despite the anxiety among investors that the bull market has to end, and all the headwinds that can be pointed to that may cause a correction if not a bear market, 10 out of 11 sectors in the S&P 500 just beat earnings estimates. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Grassroots fundraisers face competing headwinds, according to For Good interim president Tamara Mahal. — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Long-term Treasury yields rose to their highest point since 2007, creating another headwind for the economy and lifting borrowing costs for consumers and businesses. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Ornelas and some of her colleagues have recently created the Health and Power Organizing Project, a coalition of academics and advocates to provide a counterweight to political headwinds. — Anil Oza, STAT, 19 Aug. 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)