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

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global filmmaking hub is facing headwinds, and not just because of one recent high-profile flop. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 2 June 2026

Lower-income households face the steepest real income headwinds as energy prices stay elevated. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026

The decision not to contest Brinkema's ruling reflects the headwinds the administration has been facing from lawmakers in both parties who had significant reservations about the program. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 1 June 2026

Exiting these TSAs, separation costs, and investment in technology are expected to result in a slight operating margin headwind during the company's transition period but should lead to solid margin gains once it's all cleaned up. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 June 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)