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

Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, is struggling to hold on to power and will face political headwinds reaching the two-percent mark that his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, promised. —Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024

Mortgage rates — which don't move in lockstep with changes in the federal funds rate — have gone up in recent weeks based on various headwinds, including the outlook for the economy and the 2024 presidential election. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 7 Nov. 2024

National Democrats went to work early to bulk up their endangered incumbents in the face of violent headwinds. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024

In contrast, countries with declining democratic systems experience stagnation, instability and talent flight—all of which create headwinds for economic growth. —Nathan Christensen, Forbes, 4 Nov. 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)