hindrance
noun
hin·drance
ˈhin-drən(t)s 
1
: the state of being interfered with, held back, or slowed down : the state of being hindered
hindrance of speech
2
: a person or thing that interferes with or slows the progress of someone or something : impediment
a hindrance to learning
3
: the act of interfering with or slowing the progress of someone or something : the action of hindering
should be allowed to live where he chooses without hindrance
Synonyms
Examples of hindrance in a Sentence
Is my presence here a help or a hindrance?
made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Surveys have also shown that Biden might be a hindrance for Democrats, while Youngkin could help Republicans.
—
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2023
The popularity of hybrids in the country, high EV price tags, and the lack of charging infrastructure are also hindrances to Japan’s EV transition, just like in the US.
—Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023
That trip unlocked several visits by U.S. cabinet officials, a resumption of direct ties following a hiatus that diplomats said was a hindrance to basic risk management between the rivals.
—Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023
But saturated fat content isn’t the only aspect of red meat that could be a hindrance to someone’s insulin.
—Michelle Pugle, Health, 25 Oct. 2023
The pressure to conform to societal standards might end up being a hindrance to our mental health.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 Sep. 2023
Perhaps the biggest hindrance to succession-planning is the nature of the cyber team itself, Aiello said.
—Kim S. Nash, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2023
Experts say that a lack of industry experience outside of consulting is a hindrance.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2023
To them, a smorgasbord of data is more hindrance than help.
—Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2023
See More
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2023
The popularity of hybrids in the country, high EV price tags, and the lack of charging infrastructure are also hindrances to Japan’s EV transition, just like in the US.
—Daniel Golson, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2023
That trip unlocked several visits by U.S. cabinet officials, a resumption of direct ties following a hiatus that diplomats said was a hindrance to basic risk management between the rivals.
—Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023
But saturated fat content isn’t the only aspect of red meat that could be a hindrance to someone’s insulin.
—Michelle Pugle, Health, 25 Oct. 2023
The pressure to conform to societal standards might end up being a hindrance to our mental health.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 Sep. 2023
Perhaps the biggest hindrance to succession-planning is the nature of the cyber team itself, Aiello said.
—Kim S. Nash, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2023
Experts say that a lack of industry experience outside of consulting is a hindrance.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2023
To them, a smorgasbord of data is more hindrance than help.
—Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hindrance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
see hinder entry 1
First Known Use
1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing hindrance
Dictionary Entries Near hindrance
Cite this Entry
“Hindrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindrance. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
hindrance
noun
hin·drance
ˈhin-drən(t)s
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