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

With much of its rugged terrain a hindrance to agriculture, mercenaries became a primary export. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

But for others, collaboration can feel like a hindrance, not a help. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

At nearly $900 list, its lack of extras like a subwoofer or surround speakers seemed like a serious hindrance. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024

In early 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom cited state law as a hindrance to giving schools extra funding to support Black students. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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