What does hindrance mean?
A hindrance is something that makes it harder to carry out an action, complete a task, or achieve a goal. It may be a person, an object, a lack of resources, or a circumstance such as bad weather, illness, or restrictive rules. The word is especially useful when an obstacle not only causes inconvenience but also delays progress or prevents something from succeeding. In formal writing, “a hindrance to” commonly introduces the affected activity or goal, as in “a hindrance to effective communication.” Although “hindrance” can refer to the act of obstructing someone, its dominant modern use is as a countable noun naming an obstacle. It is related to the verb “hinder,” which describes the action of making something difficult or delaying it.
nounA thing or person that makes progress difficult or prevents an action from happening. It can also refer to the act of delaying or obstructing something.
- A person or thing that obstructs progress, action, or achievement.
- The act or effect of impeding or delaying progress.
"The lack of reliable public transport was a major hindrance to the project's success."
"Technical problems became the main hindrance to launching the product on time."
"She spoke without hindrance, despite the efforts of those who tried to silence her."
The plural is formed by adding -s, as in “a series of hindrances to progress.”
"The committee identified several practical hindrances to the proposal."
A hindrance is more than a mere inconvenience: it is an obstacle that forces a plan to slow down, change direction, or stop altogether.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hindrance come from?
The noun “hindrance” developed in the early 15th century from “hinder” and the suffix “-ance.” “Hinder” comes from Old English “hindrian,” a word associated with “hind” and “behind,” reflecting the idea of placing something in a person's way. The related forms “hind” and “hindermost” preserve that older spatial sense, while “hindrance” developed into the modern noun for an obstacle or impediment.
How hindrance is actually used
The word is formal but widely understood. It is commonly used for practical, institutional, or personal obstacles rather than for minor everyday annoyances.
Easily confused with hindrance
A hindrance is a noun naming an obstacle, while hinder is a verb meaning to make something difficult or to delay it.