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

Giving communities the ability to build more housing with alternatives to groundwater, which has been a hindrance for fast-growing areas like Buckeye and Queen Creek. —Jeremy Duda, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025

Without sanctions relief, poverty and hindrances to aid delivery will worsen in Syria because the new government is controlled by a group with a terrorist designation. —Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025

Some of these problems can be a major hindrance to the performance of AI models if not well-addressed. —Abdul Muqtadir Mohammed Zubair, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Although Wade was a member of his school basketball team, his height was (obviously) a hindrance to furthering that career. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Jan. 2025

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