hindrance

noun

hin·​drance ˈhin-drən(t)s How to pronounce hindrance (audio)
Synonyms of hindrance
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.
Portugal’s World Cup to date has been dominated by the debate over whether Cristiano Ronaldo is a help or a hindrance. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 1 July 2026 That sounds great to starting central defender Chris Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance. ABC News, 24 June 2026 El Diez's desire to get the most out of his star man may have proved a hindrance for another natural talent who needed space to thrive. Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 That hasn’t been a hindrance to people coming in impressive numbers, nearly from the start. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 22 June 2026 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 6 Jul. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster