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

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• obstruction
• shackles
• stop
• stumbling block
• trammel

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

But as the 1820s approached, the rest of the state was settled, and the town's position in the far south was considered a hindrance. —Justin L. MacK, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

Happily, there are three solid bills stuck in the City Council that will end this hindrance to the daily lives of millions. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025

The situation highlights a common challenge faced by many users with multiple devices, where voice assistants can become more of a hindrance than a help. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 11 Nov. 2024

That hindrance aside, this is a whole lot of screen real estate for a price that costs less than some premium 65-inch models. —Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 8 Nov. 2024

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