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

It now expects a 15 million-pound headwind to group revenue in fiscal 2026, up from a forecast issued in November of 10 million pounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The South African gold mining sector has just suffered headwind after headwind over the years,” said Izak Odendaal, an investment strategist at fund manager Old Mutual.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the company struggled with lower commodity prices and an oversupplied oil market in 2025, headwinds in key regions “are behind us,” said CEO Olivier LePeuch.

From Barron's

“Given the likelihood of further material estimate cuts due to structural and cyclical headwinds, the current premium valuation appears vulnerable,” the analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cai also pointed out that bitcoin faces regulatory headwinds, too, with the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act currently stalled in the U.S.

From MarketWatch