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
For generations, the tribe has been leaning into cultural headwinds to preserve a language on the brink of extinction.—Kevin Simpson
The plan faces political headwinds from both sides of the aisle …—Heidi M. Przybyla
Examples of headwind in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Leven has been more resistant to another common industry headwind — Denver’s rising minimum wage, Lygizos said.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
When living in Iowa, Mercer and his wife encountered those headwinds after trying to find child care for their young son.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
The company and its employees still face headwinds.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters The Federal Reserve heads into 2026 facing a slew of political and policy challenges, headlined by a new chair and an economy fed by both tailwinds and headwinds that will make policymakers’ choices all the more important.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwind. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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