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

By Friday, even Trump seemed to understand the headwinds were strong. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025

Though the workers would fight, there seemed to be a tacit understanding that the economic headwinds might finally be too much for Volkswagen as a strange new era dawns for Germany. —Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan. 2025

Among the headwinds facing the industry are synthetic alternatives, ongoing global economic uncertainty, and a decrease in demand from the crucial Chinese market. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

These volume and price headwinds could limit any potential upside ahead for shares of Ford, Levy added, especially since the stock’s valuation is not currently especially compelling. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025

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)