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

Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. —Colin Flint, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024

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

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