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

Together, these financial headwinds help explain why silver remains well below its January peak. —Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 June 2026

The company, in the midst of a turnaround strategy, said that higher gas prices, geopolitical uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment contributed to the headwinds in April. —ABC News, 16 June 2026

Specifically addressing companies’ demand for speed to market, this year’s study factors in permitting times and regulatory headwinds — or the lack of them. —Scott Cohn, CNBC, 16 June 2026

The president’s approval rating has dropped consistently for months, forcing Republicans running in midterm elections to battle heavy headwinds with unhappy voters. —Catherine Lucey, Fortune, 13 June 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)