hindrance

[hin-druhns]

noun

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

/ ˈhɪndrəns /

noun

1. an obstruction or snag; impediment

2. the act of hindering; prevention

Word History and Origins

Origin of hindrance¹

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

Synonym Study

See obstacle.

Example Sentences

In her new book about her 107-day run for president, Kamala Harris suggests that President Biden was more hindrance than helpmate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But overall, Redford thought his beauty was more of a hindrance than a help to his career - and said karma had brought tragedy in his family life to punish him for his physical good fortune.

Read more on BBC

Harris suggests in many ways Biden was more hindrance than helpmate as she struggled to step out from the shadow that inevitably shrouds the vice president.

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On the next play, he scrambled forward out of the pocket and attempted a short pass that fell incomplete, moving with no obvious hindrance or signs of discomfort.

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"Tanzanians are doing all manner of small businesses in Kenya without any hindrance. It's clear Tanzania has never been serious in making the EAC work," one person posted on X.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.