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.
Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, is struggling to hold on to power and will face political headwinds reaching the two-percent mark that his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, promised. Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 Mortgage rates — which don't move in lockstep with changes in the federal funds rate — have gone up in recent weeks based on various headwinds, including the outlook for the economy and the 2024 presidential election. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 7 Nov. 2024 National Democrats went to work early to bulk up their endangered incumbents in the face of violent headwinds. Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024 In contrast, countries with declining democratic systems experience stagnation, instability and talent flight—all of which create headwinds for economic growth. Nathan Christensen, Forbes, 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!