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

Content and product investments need to be made immediately to support the entirety of their content ecosystem, or these companies can only expect continued headwinds with consumers and investors alike. —Paul Pastor, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

Another headwind for the Dow has been UnitedHealth . —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024

One of the most obvious policy changes that will be enacted by the incoming Trump administration is that the regulatory overhang and headwind that has been an obstacle for crypto entrepreneurs will be significantly addressed. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The headwinds are fueling fresh doubts about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mandate that all new cars sold in California by 2035 be zero-emission vehicles. —Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 11 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)