headwind
noun
head·wind
ˈhed-ˌwind 
plural headwinds
1
: a wind having the opposite general direction to a course of movement (as of an aircraft)
2
: a force or influence that inhibits progress
Power-plant construction is facing headwinds in the U.S. as renewable energy projects and slack demand throw the economics of new generators into question.—
Thomas Black
Thomas BlackFor generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.—Kevin Simpson
Kevin SimpsonThe plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …—Heidi M. Przybyla
Heidi M. PrzybylaExamples of headwind in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On April 6, Russell ran 12.78 with a -1.4 m/s headwind, watching as American Tia Jones claimed the event in 12.63.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Despite the tariff headwinds, Apple reported solid finances in the January to March quarter.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Snap and Google have already warned of potential headwinds to their ad businesses.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 1 May 2025
The package of tax reductions and sweeping spending cuts faces headwinds from opposition Democrats and some Republicans worried about the federal deficit, and the GOP's narrow House majority leaves no room for error.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for headwind
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Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Despite the tariff headwinds, Apple reported solid finances in the January to March quarter.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Snap and Google have already warned of potential headwinds to their ad businesses.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 1 May 2025
The package of tax reductions and sweeping spending cuts faces headwinds from opposition Democrats and some Republicans worried about the federal deficit, and the GOP's narrow House majority leaves no room for error.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for headwind
Cite this Entry
“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
headwind
noun
head·wind
-ˌwind
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course of movement (as of a ship or aircraft)
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