hindrance
Americannoun
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an impeding, stopping, preventing, or the like.
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the state of being hindered.
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a person or thing that hinders.
- Synonyms:
- restraint, check, obstruction, encumbrance, impediment
- Antonyms:
- aid
noun
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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.
A review will also be allowed at the end of a point if a player feels his opponent may be guilty of hindrance.
From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026
Sabalenka said players should stop proceedings immediately and call for a video review for hindrance, following Daniil Medvedev's dispute with Jack Draper in the quarter-finals.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
In Northern Europe, winter isn’t a hindrance for war, but in fact makes it more likely.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
Severe winter weather can also be a hindrance, as it was last month.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026
The door had been locked, of course, but locked doors have never proved much of a hindrance to me.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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.
