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.
The university says Suri is working on a project that looks into potential causes that hinder cooperation among religiously diverse societies and possibilities to overcome those hindrances. Gary Grumbach, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025 There’s no question that my last name was more of a help than a hindrance. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025 Most migrants see local immigration officials as a hindrance rather than a help, because Mexican authorities have conducted raids throughout the country, and any immigrants caught are given 10 to 15 days to resolve their status or leave Mexico. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 Queen’s finishing at the rim is comfortably consistent, but this lack of multiple levels to his scoring could be a hindrance in the draft. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 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 9 Apr. 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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