What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inhibit
Example
The fear of failure can inhibit one's ability to take risks. [inhibit: verb]
Example
The presence of certain chemicals can inhibit the growth of bacteria. [inhibit: verb]
hinder
Example
The heavy traffic hindered our ability to arrive on time. [hindered: past tense]
Example
The lack of funding is hindering the progress of the project. [hindering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hinder is more commonly used than inhibit in everyday language, while inhibit is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between inhibit and hinder?
Inhibit is associated with a more formal and technical tone, while hinder is more casual and informal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
