headwind

noun

head·​wind ˈhed-ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
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
For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.Kevin Simpson
The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …Heidi M. Przybyla

Examples of headwind in a Sentence

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.
Several of the Democratic senators up for reelection were initially elected during years favorable to their party, such as the 2006 backlash to then-President George W. Bush or during then-President Barack Obama’s successful 2012 reelection campaign — and are facing headwinds for the first time. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 The United States faces strong headwinds from cultural conflict, as well as deliberate efforts by domestic and foreign actors to sow divisions, spread disinformation, and create distrust in the system. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 Several of the Democratic senators up for reelection were initially elected during years favorable to their party, such as the 2006 backlash to then-President George W. Bush or during then-President Obama’s successful 2012 reelection campaign — and are facing headwinds for the first time. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Polling indicates a tight race, but Osborn too faces headwinds in a state with a heavy Republican lean. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headwind 

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headwind was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near headwind

Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

headwind

noun
head·​wind -ˌwind How to pronounce headwind (audio)
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)

More from Merriam-Webster on headwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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