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

Indeed, while some other big media groups, such as ITV and Fremantle, have battled the industry’s headwinds in the last couple years, Banijay Entertainment, whose parent company Banijay Group is listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange, has been delivering strong numbers. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025

According to Martins, being diversified helps buttress the company against macro headwinds, and the various business units of JHSF share many of the same customers. —David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025

These are global headwinds and we, like every other company, navigate them, build resilience and embrace them. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025

Whether leaguewide revenue growth gains more momentum over the coming years is unclear, given some headwinds for things like regional broadcasting rights, per Sportico. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

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)