hindrance

American  

[hin-druhns] / ˈhɪn drəns /

noun

hindrances plural

1. an impeding, stopping, preventing, or the like.

2. the state of being hindered.

3. a person or thing that hinders.

   Synonyms:

   restraint, check, obstruction, encumbrance, impediment

   Antonyms:

   aid

---

hindrance British  

/ ˈhɪndrəns /

noun

1. an obstruction or snag; impediment

2. the act of hindering; prevention

---

Usage

What does hindrance mean? A hindrance is something that hinders—makes it harder for something to happen or be done or for someone to do something. Hindrance is most commonly used in the context of progress, tasks, work, or other things that involve the completion of a goal. Hindrances delay, interrupt, or slow down progress. The words obstacle and impediment are very similar. Hindrances are usually things, such as events or circumstances, but a person can be considered a hindrance, such as when they hinder someone else’s progress or work by interrupting them, getting in their way, or putting obstacles in their way. Although the verb hinder can also mean to completely prevent or stop something from happening, hindrances are usually temporary obstacles. Hindrance can also refer to the act of hindering or the state of being hindered. Example: Don’t let one failure be a hindrance to your goals.

Synonym Usage

See obstacle.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• hindrances
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hindrance

First recorded in 1400–50, hindrance is from the late Middle English word hinderaunce. See hinder ¹, -ance

Explanation

A hindrance is something in the way, an obstacle. An untied shoelace is a hindrance to walking, and tripping in the lunchroom might be a hindrance to getting a seat at the cool table. You might hear the phrase, "more of a hindrance than a help." It means that something intended to be a positive force has the opposite effect, like when your four-year-old sister tries to help you make dinner. Hindrance refers to the act of slowing things down, or the thing that's causing the problem, like your "helpful" little sister. It's the noun form of the verb hinder, which is "to get in the way."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hindrance hindrances

For decades, the Fujimori brand has been a help and a hindrance, giving her instant recognition, a loyal voter base and deep political networks -- but also plenty of critics.

From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026

But his color palette is so grimy that it becomes a hindrance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

“This is an unsustainable burden for ICE employees and a hindrance to ICE operations given the exceptional growth in congressional visits,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

These sky-high valuations clearly haven’t been a hindrance for chip investors yet, though.

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 2026

The cam allows the jumar to slide upward without hindrance, but it pinches the rope securely when the device is weighted.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Hegseth repeatedly has expressed disdain for guardrails he describes as hindrances to combat forces.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

Fiscal policy is one of the main potential hindrances for further rate cuts, said Nancy Lazar, chief economist at Piper Sandler.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

It’s not just the physical hindrances that restrict commercial shipping activity.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 21, 2026

A lack of pricing power and commodity volatility will continue to be hindrances for many of these stocks.

From Barron's ● Dec. 24, 2025

I try to work around any unpleasant hindrances and give full attention to the talk I am involved in.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• barrier
• deterrent
• drawback
• handicap
• hitch
• impediment
• interference
• interruption
• obstacle
• snag
• stumbling block