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

The firm also slashed its price target, citing headwinds tied to tariffs and concerns with the economic backdrop. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025

But the major overhaul in reading instruction — a shift away from a popular but flawed approach that encouraged kids to lean on context clues — continues to face headwinds. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

This suggests that investors are still expecting significant growth despite headwinds. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The economic downturn is creating headwinds for major U.S. airlines, which, just two months ago, were benefiting from strong travel demand and solid pricing across their networks. —Shivansh Tiwary, USA Today, 17 Apr. 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)