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

• 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

The journey, first to Paris and then through Switzerland and Milan and onwards to Venice, was for the most part pleasant, being blessedly free of many of the wearisome and often infuriating hindrances and misdirections that rail travel usually entails. —Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025

Leah Williamson’s absence with a knee injury sustained in the Euro 2025 final has been a huge hindrance both in defence and attack. —Art De Roché, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

On the day of the massacre, the shooter opened and walked through the west door with no hindrance, though it had been pulled shut by a teacher. —Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

This potential hindrance to growth adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile policy outlook. —John Melloy, CNBC, 1 Oct. 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