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

Attendance was lighter, as brands cut budgets and pivoted toward contingency planning in response to legislative delays and economic headwinds. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 June 2025

By embracing flexibility, expanding reach, experimenting boldly and staying laser-focused on solving real, acute problems, entrepreneurs can turn uncertainty into opportunity and build businesses that thrive regardless of economic headwinds. —Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

Cyclical pressures refer to economic headwinds and hangover supplies from the Covid-era, while structural shifts refer to changing consumer patterns. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 7 June 2025

Danny Kirsch, Piper Sandler’s head of options, suggested that being on the President’s good side had served Musk and his businesses, while being on the President’s bad side could turn tailwinds into headwinds, more or less instantly. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 6 June 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)