impedingly

Impedingly is a formal adverb meaning in a way that hinders, obstructs, or makes progress difficult. It describes the manner of an obstacle or action rather than the obstacle itself: for example, a road can be “impedingly narrow,” or bad weather can make travel “impedingly slow.” The word is especially associated with delay, restricted movement, and the interference of people, regulations, or physical conditions with intended progress. It is related to the verb “impede” and the noun “impediment.” Although understandable, “impedingly” is less usual in everyday conversation than alternatives such as “in an obstructive way” or “in a way that hinders.” Its distinctive value is its concise, slightly literary emphasis on the obstructive effect of a situation.

In a way that hinders, obstructs, or makes progress difficult.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does impedingly come from?

The word comes from the English verb “impede,” which derives from Latin impedire, “to hinder” or “impede.” The Latin verb is commonly analyzed as being formed from the prefix in-, meaning “into” or “against,” and pes, meaning “foot,” reflecting the original sense of hobbling or obstructing movement. “Impedingly” was formed adverbially from “impeding” with the suffix -ly.

How impedingly is actually used

Chiefly formal or literary. It is less common than the more neutral phrasing “in an obstructive manner,” and it often appears in contexts involving delay, obstruction, or restricted movement.

Easily confused with impedingly

What's another word for impedingly?

Words and phrases paired with impedingly