hindrance

American  

[hin-druhns] / ˈhɪn drəns /

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

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hindrance British  

/ ˈhɪndrəns /

noun

1. an obstruction or snag; impediment

2. the act of hindering; prevention

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See obstacle.

Etymology

Origin of hindrance

First recorded in 1400–50, hindrance is from the late Middle English word hinderaunce. See hinder ¹, -ance

Explanation

A hindrance is something in the way, an obstacle. An untied shoelace is a hindrance to walking, and tripping in the lunchroom might be a hindrance to getting a seat at the cool table. You might hear the phrase, "more of a hindrance than a help." It means that something intended to be a positive force has the opposite effect, like when your four-year-old sister tries to help you make dinner. Hindrance refers to the act of slowing things down, or the thing that's causing the problem, like your "helpful" little sister. It's the noun form of the verb hinder, which is "to get in the way."

Example Sentences

A review will also be allowed at the end of a point if a player feels his opponent may be guilty of hindrance.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

In Northern Europe, winter isn’t a hindrance for war, but in fact makes it more likely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Severe winter weather can also be a hindrance, as it was last month.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

Ives himself has recognized that too many jobs can be a hindrance for executives.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

To the rest of us he complained that Camilla was out of her league, and a hindrance to serious scholarship.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• barrier
• deterrent
• drawback
• handicap
• hitch
• impediment
• interference
• interruption
• obstacle
• snag
• stumbling block