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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

"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.

From BBC

The ruling is merely the latest judicial hindrance to Trump's second-term agenda.

From Salon

It had been withheld on the grounds that it would have caused a "hindrance to the enquiry".

From BBC

Taking time off for parental leave is not only difficult to attain but a hindrance to a sushi chef’s career.

From Salon

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.