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

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• obstruction
• shackles
• stop
• stumbling block
• trammel

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

Kyiv and Moscow have framed each other as the main hindrance to peace, in an effort to win Trump’s backing. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025

If regulatory bodies enter or place restrictions on the company, there might be unhealthy hindrances or complicities in the company's expansion strategies. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Finally, concerns regarding loss of employment and socioeconomic consequences of having humans but machines for jobs would drive social resistance and political hindrances. —Shakir Syed, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Despite the hindrances, McLaren's Oscar Piastri managed to set the fastest time of 1:28.114, followed by his teammate Lando Norris. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

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