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

There was time when studios thought premiering a film in Cannes in May could turn out to be a major hindrance to that movie’s Oscar chances nine months later. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 May 2025

One hindrance is that most organizations are currently only using GenAI for foundational uses like copyediting, text creation and video production. —Jennifer Chase, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

His only help is John Goodman's Walter, who is mostly more of a hindrance than anything else. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025

The snowfall is also expected to mostly affect grassy surfaces and not cause too much of a hindrance for people on their morning commute Monday, Yack said. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 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