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 of hindrance

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment

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

Before the wedding, Carolyn had resigned from her job at Calvin Klein, recognizing that her newfound fame was becoming more of a hindrance than a help. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

Adam, who had surgery to repair a ruptured quad tendon in September, has been pitching without hindrance for three months. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

Every poor, slow or pernickety decision undermines the good, depicting VAR as needlessly intrusive and a hindrance to the spectacle. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Still, some view strict coal regulation as a hindrance to economic prosperity. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hindrance

• without let or hindrance

Kids Definition

hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s 

1

: the state of being hindered

2

: the action of hindering

3

: something that hinders : impediment