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

Continuing to hike rates risks adding to the headwinds zooming Japan’s way. —William Pesek, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Asia-Pacific stocks were mostly lower overnight, breaking ranks with Wall Street that saw the S&P 500 close at a record high on Tuesday as investors appeared to look past tariffs and inflation headwinds. —Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025

Beyond any headwinds related to Musk or Trump, analysts predict that Tesla's biggest challenge will be maintaining a lead over growing competition from both its domestic and overseas rivals. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

Federal policies aren’t the only headwinds Maryland’s innovation ecosystem faces. —Kelly Schulz, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headwind

• chagrined
• crosswind
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned

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)