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
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
The intrigue: Thank you to the many folks who sent us their stories about a structure that is integral to Detroit's history, despite its reputation as outdated or a hindrance.
—
Annalise Frank, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
This proves to be both a help and hindrance to Benny over the next decade, as the film tracks the Vandals’ growth and how the country’s overwhelming disillusionment seeps into its DNA.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Publicly, Bayrou’s personality and background are both an aide (with the French people) and a hindrance (with colleagues).
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Don’t forget to pay attention to other design elements within the room so that your kitchen island is an asset rather than a hindrance, suggests Kelly.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hindrance 
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.
Annalise Frank, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
This proves to be both a help and hindrance to Benny over the next decade, as the film tracks the Vandals’ growth and how the country’s overwhelming disillusionment seeps into its DNA.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Publicly, Bayrou’s personality and background are both an aide (with the French people) and a hindrance (with colleagues).
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Don’t forget to pay attention to other design elements within the room so that your kitchen island is an asset rather than a hindrance, suggests Kelly.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hindrance
Dictionary Entries Near hindrance
Cite this Entry
“Hindrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindrance. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hindrance
noun
hin·drance
ˈhin-drən(t)s
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share