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

Tesla Stock And Trump: Risks Galore Now, Li Auto is facing a couple of headwinds. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing major headwinds in his quest to get Senate approval to get the job, bogged down by an avalanche of bad headlines. —Tamara Keith, NPR, 4 Dec. 2024

The company’s beer, which is made south of the border, may face new headwinds if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024

Where other brands have stumbled out of the gate since the COVID-19 pandemic, facing headwinds of over-betting on the public's appetite for battery-electric vehicles, Hyundai's U.S. arm is thriving. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

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)