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 underlying case against Comey has faced headwinds from the start. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026

Quality concerns have also been a headwind, Brown said. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026

At the concurrent Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum, Japan debuted a dedicated Film Frontier section, placing seven Japanese projects across HAF’s strands in a clear signal that Unijapan is pursuing an outward-facing strategy regardless of bilateral headwinds. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026

The energy project announcements come as Republicans brace for political headwinds in the 2026 midterms as gas prices rise amid the conflict with Iran. —Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 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)