headwind

American  

[hed-wind] / ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind opposed to the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or other vehicle (opposed to tailwind).

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headwind British  

/ ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or ship Compare tailwind

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headwind Scientific  

/ hĕd′wĭnd′ /

1. A wind blowing directly against the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or ship.

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Etymology

Origin of headwind

First recorded in 1780–90; (a)head + wind ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

headwind

Because gold is a no-yield asset, rising real interest rates are a major headwind.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

The MS analysts say an FX headwind masks stronger underlying growth and that their positive thesis is unchanged.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

“Investors viewed the weaker payrolls backdrop as reducing the likelihood of near-term Fed tightening, thereby easing a key valuation headwind for risk assets,” said Chew.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem noted that while uncertainty surrounding "US trade policy continues to be a headwind, consumers have been resilient and businesses are adapting."

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

One moment they were flying into a strong headwind, forcing them to add extra power to maintain their momentum on the glide down.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell