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
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With a comprehensive portfolio spanning restaurants, luxury residential kitchens, and industrial food processing, the company has continued to expand its market share despite macroeconomic headwinds. Joe Cornell, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 The tax headwind mentioned above is estimated to have a 19-cent impact to first-quarter earnings. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress have been pursuing legislation to support Mr. Trump's agenda, facing headwinds with a narrow majority in the House and differing views on the path forward. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025 Weaker sentiment has caused the dollar to drop relative to foreign currencies, creating headwinds for Under Armour (UAA, down 15% in February) and Topgolf Callaway Brands (MODG, down 20%), two of the worst Sportico index performers in the month. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 3 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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)

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