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 firm sees fuel as a $16 million headwind for Royal Caribbean in the first quarter compared to guidance.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

While a higher fuel cost presents a significant near-term headwind, Jefferies sees Qantas’s share price “as capitalizing an ongoing earnings impact beyond FY27, which is less likely.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The strategists say that still-low cash allocations present a headwind to both stocks and bonds going forward, as long as geopolitical and macro uncertainty remain elevated.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“Neo may have slightly lower-than-average margin comparing to other Mac products, but I don’t think margin headwind is large enough to be notable on Apple’s consolidated income statement.”

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The little ship, like most traders of the Inmost Sea, bore the high fore-and-aft sail that can be turned to catch a headwind, and her master was a handy seaman, proud of his skill.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin