hindrance
Americannoun
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an impeding, stopping, preventing, or the like.
-
the state of being hindered.
-
a person or thing that hinders.
- Synonyms:
- restraint, check, obstruction, encumbrance, impediment
- Antonyms:
- aid
noun
-
an obstruction or snag; impediment
-
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.
Related Words
See obstacle.
Etymology
Origin of hindrance
First recorded in 1400–50, hindrance is from the late Middle English word hinderaunce. See hinder 1, -ance
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Northern Europe, winter isn’t a hindrance for war, but in fact makes it more likely.
Severe winter weather can also be a hindrance, as it was last month.
From MarketWatch
Ives himself has recognized that too many jobs can be a hindrance for executives.
From Barron's
It was a hindrance for someone with such a longing to fly.
From Literature
The hindrance rule is meant to stop a player from interfering with an opponent's ability to make a shot, either by shouting, making noise or dropping a ball from their pocket.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
