headwind
noun
head·wind
ˈhed-ˌwind 
plural headwinds
1
: a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)
2
: a force or influence that inhibits progress
Power-plant construction is facing headwinds in the U.S. as renewable energy projects and slack demand throw the economics of new generators into question.—
Thomas Black
Thomas BlackFor generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.—Kevin Simpson
Kevin SimpsonThe plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …—Heidi M. Przybyla
Heidi M. PrzybylaExamples of headwind in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although regulatory barriers and equipment bottlenecks were also identified as headwinds, neither of them was bad enough to cancel ongoing or proposed projects.
—
Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets.
—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
On the flip side, the headwinds of declining consumption and high production costs are creating pockets of opportunity.
—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The United States is also facing gale-force productivity headwinds, such as the aging of the population and the relentlessly rising cost of health care, education, and housing.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for headwind
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Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets.
—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
On the flip side, the headwinds of declining consumption and high production costs are creating pockets of opportunity.
—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The United States is also facing gale-force productivity headwinds, such as the aging of the population and the relentlessly rising cost of health care, education, and housing.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for headwind
Cite this Entry
“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
headwind
noun
head·wind
-ˌwind
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)
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