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

"The quality of education, from a social perspective, is one of the biggest hindrances for the South African economy, and a big reason for the skills deficit that we have in South Africa," he says.

Read more on BBC

However, Shelvey is wary of being a "hindrance" and has stopped short of reaching out to the Newcastle head coach just yet as he studies for his Uefa A Licence coaching qualification.

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In fact, as these letters make plain, this ability to marvel and thank was anything but a hindrance to greatness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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.