hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
1
: the state of being interfered with, held back, or slowed down : the state of being hindered
hindrance of speech
2
: a person or thing that interferes with or slows the progress of someone or something : impediment
a hindrance to learning
3
: the act of interfering with or slowing the progress of someone or something : the action of hindering
should be allowed to live where he chooses without hindrance

Examples of hindrance in a Sentence

Is my presence here a help or a hindrance? made a survey of all the hindrances to wheelchair access, such as curbs and stairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its omnivorous approach, in search of an everything box for pop songcraft, seems to see imagination itself as a hindrance. Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 17 June 2025 Federal military presence presents 'significant' challenge The Los Angeles Police Department reiterated on Monday that despite some demonstrations turning violent, local police can handle whatever protesters throw at them and that additional federal help could become a hindrance. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 June 2025 This has been a major hindrance to fighting cartels. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 The breakdown of the post-Cold War order has resulted in a rise of authoritarianism and democratic backsliding in liberal democracies, but this seems to been no hindrance to capitalism. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hindrance

Word History

Etymology

see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindrance was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hindrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindrance. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hindrance

noun
hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
1
: the state of being hindered
2
: the action of hindering
3
: something that hinders : impediment

More from Merriam-Webster on hindrance

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