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 declining interest in EVs means companies like Telsa, Rivian and Lucid are enduring greater headwinds than traditional marques. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026

All have weakened due to a variety of factors, ranging from questions over the artificial intelligence trade , to geopolitical headwinds and mixed economic data. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026

Many have closed in recent years amid economic headwinds. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026

But the economic headwinds challenging San Diego State and other mid-major programs may be the bigger story to the 2025-26 season. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headwind

• chagrined
• crosswind
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned

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)