headwind

American  

[hed-wind] / ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

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

The U.S. airline industry could face an annual fuel-cost headwind of close to $40 billion, Deutsche Bank analysts warned last week, albeit hours before the cease-fire was agreed.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The tightness of credit is at present “not a major headwind to economic activity.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

After a long period of deflationary pressure, a bump in price growth could seem welcome, but analysts note if demand remains weak, supply-side inflation will become a headwind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

That means it’s difficult to short the market, even with the headwind of the war.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The Anson leaped into the air in a gust of headwind.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein