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

The week ended with the spotlight on the president -- underscoring the party's major bet on his ability to connect with supporters to help the GOP weather historic headwinds in November. — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

This is a different approach than that taken by most presidents whose parties are facing political headwinds in a midterm year. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026

Questions about the return on investment of the artificial intelligence buildout, the financing of data centers and headwind of higher yields will remain after Labor Day. — Frank Holland, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Kering and Zegna held back on expansion, with each representing under 5 percent of openings as market headwinds prompted a more cautious real estate approach. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 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)