headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
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
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Tesla Stock And Trump: Risks Galore Now, Li Auto is facing a couple of headwinds. Trefis Team, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing major headwinds in his quest to get Senate approval to get the job, bogged down by an avalanche of bad headlines. Tamara Keith, NPR, 4 Dec. 2024 The company’s beer, which is made south of the border, may face new headwinds if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024 Where other brands have stumbled out of the gate since the COVID-19 pandemic, facing headwinds of over-betting on the public's appetite for battery-electric vehicles, Hyundai's U.S. arm is thriving. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headwind 

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headwind was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near headwind

Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

headwind

noun
head·​wind -ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)

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