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

Crypto is in for a volatile 2025, but investors would be well advised to monitor headwinds and tailwinds alike. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Despite the near-term headwinds, Hasbro remains optimistic. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025

So far in 2025, the U.S. economy has only faced headwinds and has not yet benefitted from any tailwinds. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025

Despite headwinds such as sluggish same-store sales growth and tariffs from President Donald Trump that could boost avocado costs , analysts remain upbeat. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headwind

• chagrined
• crosswind
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned

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)