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

But modifying the features of flowers for aesthetics can be a hindrance to pollinators trying to get these rewards. —Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025

Regulations can also be an opportunity, not a hindrance, when viewed through the right lens. —Sherre Demao, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Where there was confusion was about whether her shouting while being arrested really caused a hindrance. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2025

And Taiwan's currency has appreciated sharply this year against the U.S. dollar, a hindrance for an economy so heavily dependent on exports. —Satviki Sanjay Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 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