hindrance

[hin-druhns] / ˈhɪn drəns /

NOUN

obstruction, difficulty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barrier deterrent drawback handicap hitch impediment interference interruption obstacle snag stumbling block

STRONG

albatross baggage bar catch check clog crimp drag encumbrance glitch gridlock hang-up impedance intervention joker limitation lock millstone restraint restriction stoppage trammel

WEAK

Catch-22 ball and chain cumbrance excess baggage foot dragging jam-up monkey wrench

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit opening

STRONG

freedom liberation release

WEAK

advance encouragement expedition promotion push

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The approach for which McCullum was once lauded has become England's biggest hindrance.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

A deliberate hindrance is defined as "the player meant to do what it was that caused the hindrance or distraction".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

In Northern Europe, winter isn’t a hindrance for war, but in fact makes it more likely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Severe winter weather can also be a hindrance, as it was last month.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

The door had been locked, of course, but locked doors have never proved much of a hindrance to me.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss