headwind
noun
head·wind ˈhed-ˌwind 
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
Thomas Black
For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.—Kevin Simpson
Kevin Simpson
The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …—Heidi M. Przybyla
Heidi M. Przybyla
Examples of headwind in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite persistent economic headwinds and ongoing global conflicts affecting trade and transportation, the mood among exhibitors and attendees at Kingpins Amsterdam last week was notably more optimistic than at the previous two editions. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026 However, the steady climb to roughly 9,800 feet combined with strong desert headwinds significantly increased consumption. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026 The budget airline has been facing financial headwinds for several years. —Bri Buckley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Hamilton could also face headwinds during the Senate confirmation process over never having served as a state emergency management director. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwind
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.
Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026 However, the steady climb to roughly 9,800 feet combined with strong desert headwinds significantly increased consumption. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026 The budget airline has been facing financial headwinds for several years. —Bri Buckley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Hamilton could also face headwinds during the Senate confirmation process over never having served as a state emergency management director. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwind
Cite this Entry
“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
headwind
noun
head·wind -ˌwind
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
