headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind 

plural headwinds

1

: a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)

2

: a force or influence that inhibits progress

Power-plant construction is facing headwinds in the U.S. as renewable energy projects and slack demand throw the economics of new generators into question.

—Thomas Black

For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.

—Kevin Simpson

The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …

—Heidi M. Przybyla

Examples of headwind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Will the Trump administration's removal of regulatory burdens keep the economy rolling, or could the potential implementation of tariffs produce a headwind? —Bill Stone, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

The firm, however, sees growth outperformance in Asian economies with stronger domestic demand buffers such as Malaysia and the Philippines, whereas India, Thailand and South Korea are likely to face headwinds. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

Russia’s military reconstitution will face headwinds, especially from the country’s limited defense industrial capacity and skilled labor shortage. —Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024

This is especially troubling, Stern added, as the media companies are facing difficult economic headwinds that may be leaving them more cautious about incurring legal fees. —Elahe Izadi, arkansasonline.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headwind

noun

head·​wind -ˌwind 

: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)