headwind

American  

[hed-wind] / ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind opposed to the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or other vehicle (tailwind ).

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headwind British  

/ ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or ship Compare tailwind

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headwind Scientific  

/ hĕd′wĭnd′ /

1. A wind blowing directly against the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or ship.

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Etymology

Origin of headwind

First recorded in 1780–90; (a)head + wind ¹

Example Sentences

Monzo, which also pursued a U.S. license but withdrew its application in 2021 after facing regulatory headwinds, didn’t manage to gain a foothold in the highly competitive market.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Our results for the fourth quarter of 2025 reflect ongoing headwinds in the plant-based meat category as well as the financial impact of several restructuring charges,” Chief Executive Ethan Brown said.

From The Wall Street Journal

And market share is not the only headwind—there is no guarantee smart glasses will achieve mass adoption or navigate global regulations.

From Barron's

“The intersection of these headwinds is resulting in an operating reality that is challenging the idea of CPG as a bastion of consistency,” the analysts say, “widening the gap between the most and least advantaged.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Companies raising funds may look to Hong Kong’s capital market amid geopolitical headwinds as they seek secure and highly-liquid jurisdictions as destinations, he notes.

From The Wall Street Journal