hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment

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

And while Osborn may have higher name ID this cycle, Coleman suggested that could also be a slight hindrance. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 10 July 2025

While this could be a hindrance in a game like Survivor, where diehard players go to extreme lengths to prepare for certain aspects, Big Brother is built differently. —Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 10 July 2025

That was a hindrance to establishing a rivalry in the early days of college football. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 8 July 2025

For Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, the high price tag may not be a hindrance, given his interest in signing Verstappen, which arose last year after Hamilton announced his 2025 Ferrari move. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hindrance

• without let or hindrance

Kids Definition

hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s 

1

: the state of being hindered

2

: the action of hindering

3

: something that hinders : impediment