What does tailwind mean?
A tailwind is a wind that blows from behind a vehicle or aircraft, assisting its forward movement. The opposite is a headwind, which opposes movement and makes travel or operations more difficult. In figurative use, a tailwind is a favorable change that helps a person, organization, project, or economy advance. For example, falling interest rates or rising demand may provide a tailwind for a business. The expression is widely used in reporting and professional contexts, especially when discussing economic and commercial performance. It can also refer loosely to encouragement or an advantage, although those broader senses are less common than the meteorological and figurative uses. The word is especially memorable because it presents help as coming from behind, in the same way that a literal tailwind supports forward motion.
A wind blowing in the same direction as a moving vehicle or aircraft and assisting its progress.
"The aircraft encountered a tailwind shortly after takeoff."
Often used in aviation, sailing, weather forecasting, and transport reports.
A favorable condition or development that makes progress easier or more likely.
"The new partnership gave the business a significant tailwind."
Common in business, economic, political, and general figurative contexts.
Used when referring to several favorable winds, conditions, or developments.
"Favorable market conditions and lower costs provided tailwinds for the company."
A tailwind literally pushes from behind, but the figurative version can give an entire project a welcome boost.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tailwind come from?
The word is a compound of “tail” and “wind,” using “tail” in the sense of the rear or trailing part. It developed in the context of navigation and transport for a wind coming from behind, and the compound is attested by the late nineteenth century. The figurative use for an advantageous influence followed the literal nautical and aviation senses.
How tailwind is actually used
The literal sense is standard in aviation, sailing, meteorology, and transport. The figurative sense is common in business, politics, economics, and general discussion, where it describes circumstances that improve the prospects for progress.
Easily confused with tailwind
A tailwind helps a vehicle move forward, whereas a headwind blows against its direction of travel.