hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
1
: the state of being interfered with, held back, or slowed down : the state of being hindered
hindrance of speech
2
: a person or thing that interferes with or slows the progress of someone or something : impediment
a hindrance to learning
3
: the act of interfering with or slowing the progress of someone or something : the action of hindering
should be allowed to live where he chooses without hindrance

Examples of hindrance in a Sentence

Is my presence here a help or a hindrance? made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That hindrance — along with arguments that permanent standard time would improve sleep quality and foster safer morning commutes — has seen more states consider opting out of daylight saving time. Margery A. Beck, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 The Israeli response also pointed to the Arab League’s reluctance to confront Hamas, emphasizing the group's destabilizing impact and its hindrance to peace efforts. Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025 That doesn’t seem to be a hindrance to co-star Zoe Saldana’s supporting actress steamroll, however. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 The Ukrainian soldiers began to see Russian civilians as a hindrance — or worse, as potential informers who could give away their positions. Ekaterina Bodyagina Nanna Heitmann, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hindrance

Word History

Etymology

see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindrance was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hindrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindrance. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hindrance

noun
hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
1
: the state of being hindered
2
: the action of hindering
3
: something that hinders : impediment

More from Merriam-Webster on hindrance

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