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 goal was for the GOP to hold onto a narrow House majority in the face of political headwinds that typically favor the party out of power in midterms. —Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026

Democratic candidates today who do not describe Israel’s war in Gaza as a genocide face real headwinds with young progressive voters. —Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026

Of course, Hasbro's journey post-pandemic has not been without its own headwinds. —Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026

The goal was for the GOP to hold on to a narrow House majority in the face of political headwinds that typically favor the party out of power in midterms. —Olivia Diaz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 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)