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

Michael Jackson’s fifth solo album and first with veteran producer Quincy Jones, however, was just too good to be slowed down by the cultural headwinds, and became the first album by a solo artist to send four singles into the Top Ten of the Hot 100. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 16 Jan. 2025

In fact, the US wasn’t mentioned at all during the 27-minute video — perhaps a reflection of the strong headwinds EVs are facing under the incoming Trump administration. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025

Officials with Eli Lilly said the company has been working for years to reduce insulin out-of-pocket costs for people with diabetes, against the headwinds of those who choose higher-list-price medicines over cheaper options. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025

However, secular demographic headwinds will likely prevent growth in these regions from keeping pace with the US. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 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)