hindrance

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noun hin·drance \ˈhin-drən(t)s\

Definition of hindrance

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

See hindrance defined for English-language learners

See hindrance defined for kids

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 of hindrance from the Web

The pushback against gun control is the biggest hindrance to reforming the laws, McBath says.

— michael harriot, The Root, "Lucia McBath, Mother of Jordan Davis, Explains Why You Should Wear Orange for Gun-Violence Awareness Today", 2 June 2017
In the early stages of the Democratic nomination contest, the DNC appeared to be far more an ally to Clinton than a hindrance.

— dan balz, Washington Post, "Clinton’s misplaced criticism of the DNC as a cause of her defeat", 1 June 2017
It is closely tied to his stamina which has been a hindrance in the past.

— armando salguero, miamiherald, "Jordan Phillips trying to become ‘headstrong’ but what about his heart?", 30 May 2017
Many dancers play Hilarion as a gruff boor who is merely a hindrance to the central lovers, but Mr. Zhurbin’s solid sincerity inspires sympathy, and this complicates and deepens the story.

— brian seibert, New York Times, "Misty Copeland’s Down-to-Earth Debuts in ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘Giselle’", 28 May 2017
And even those who survive are viewed as a hindrance to their families and society.

— atlanta life, ajc, "She is safe — rescuing young girls around the world", 26 May 2017
Despite a few hindrances, 2 Chainz's once-elusive Pretty Girls Like Trap Music album will arrive June 16.

— carl lamarre, Billboard, "2 Chainz Enlists Drake & Pharrell for 'Pretty Girls Like Trap Music' Trailer, Reveals New Release Date", 23 May 2017
Duterte’s actions have become a hindrance to U.S. efforts to reassert its presence in Asia, although the U.S. military has vowed to continue patrolling one of the world’s busiest commercial waterways.

— Honolulu Star-Advertiser, "Philippines says it won’t help U.S. patrols in South China Sea", 8 Dec. 2016
Opioids often play an important and necessary role in treatment for a workplace injury, but long-term use can become a hindrance to recovery.

— WSJ, "Our Workers’ Comp Prescribes Appropriately", 27 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hindrance'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hindrance

see ¹hinder

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First Known Use: 1526

See Words from the same year

HINDRANCE Defined for English Language Learners

hindrance

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noun

Definition of hindrance for English Language Learners

: a person or thing that makes a situation difficult : a person or thing that hinders someone or something
: the act of making it difficult for someone to act or for something to be done : the act of hindering someone or something

HINDRANCE Defined for Kids

hindrance

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noun hin·drance \ˈhin-drəns\

Definition of hindrance for Students

: someone or something that makes a situation more difficult “… you shouldn't worry about the little fellow's feet … I don't personally think they're going to be a hindrance …” — Dick King-Smith, Pigs Might Fly