What does impeding mean?
“Impeding” means delaying, obstructing, or making progress more difficult. It is the present participle of the verb “impede” and is often placed before a noun, as in “impeding progress” or “impeding access.” The word applies when an obstacle, action, or condition slows development or prevents movement, access, or completion. It does not always imply complete blockage: heavy rain, for example, may impede traffic without bringing it to a complete halt. Although the word is relatively formal and appears frequently in news reports, legal writing, and policy discussions, it is broadly understood. In general contexts, simpler alternatives include “hindering,” “delaying,” “blocking,” and “slowing.” The word comes from Latin impedire, literally meaning “to bind the feet,” and retains the idea of something tying up a person’s or process’s ability to move forward.
adjectiveImpeding means delaying or preventing the progress, movement, or completion of something.
- Delaying or preventing progress, movement, access, or completion.
- Describing an obstacle, action, or condition that hinders progress or development.
"The sudden repair work was the main factor impeding traffic through the city."
"Heavy snow was impeding the delivery of essential supplies."
"The company has introduced several measures aimed at impeding the spread of counterfeit goods."
An obstacle that impedes progress does not necessarily stop it completely; it can simply make the way harder.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impeding come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin impedire, formed from in- and pedire, “to fetter” or “to bind the feet.” Its earliest sense referred literally to hobbling a person or fastening shackles around the feet. The meaning developed by the Middle English period from physical restraint to the broader idea of obstructing progress or action. Related English forms include “impede,” “impeded,” and “impediment.”
Related word forms
How impeding is actually used
This is the present participle of “impede” and is commonly used as an adjective before a noun, as in “impeding progress.” It is formal in register but common in journalism, law, and institutional reports.
Easily confused with impeding
“Impeding” describes an action that is currently delaying or obstructing something, while “impeded” usually describes a person or thing that has been delayed or obstructed.