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

Though the company has upgraded its sales expectations for 2026, Fiddelke acknowledges the headwinds as consumers pull back from spending. —Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 26 May 2026

Smith said that mortgage rates will be a headwind into the typically busy spring and summer buying season. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

For Fraley, her next phase comes amidst headwinds for American whiskey at large. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Indian and Chinese companies are ramping up overseas acquisitions amid mounting domestic economic and business headwinds. —Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 25 May 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)