hindrance

[ˈhɪndrəns]

hindrance Definition

a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.

Using hindrance: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hindrance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bad weather was a hindrance to our travel plans.

• Example

  The lack of funding has been a hindrance to the project's progress.

• Example

  Her shyness was a hindrance to her social life.

hindrance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hindrance

• obstacle
• barrier
• impediment
• obstruction
• difficulty

Antonyms for hindrance

• assistance
• aid
• help

Idioms Using hindrance

• a blessing in disguise

  something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later

  Example

  Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave him the opportunity to start his own business.

• a fly in the ointment

  a small problem or issue that spoils an otherwise positive situation

  Example

  The only fly in the ointment was the long wait for our food to arrive.

• a monkey wrench in the works

  an unexpected problem or obstacle that causes a delay or disruption

  Example

  The power outage threw a monkey wrench in the works of our presentation.

Phrases with hindrance

• put a hindrance in someone's way

  to create an obstacle or difficulty for someone

  Example

  He put a hindrance in my way by not providing me with the necessary information.

• be a hindrance to someone/something

  to cause difficulty or delay for someone or something

  Example

  The heavy traffic was a hindrance to our arrival at the airport on time.

• overcome a hindrance

  to successfully deal with an obstacle or difficulty

  Example

  She was able to overcome the hindrance of her disability and achieve her goals.

Origins of hindrance

from Old English 'hindrian', meaning 'to hold back'

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Summary: hindrance in Brief

'Hindrance' [ˈhɪndrəns] refers to anything that obstructs, delays, or resists progress. It can be a physical barrier, like bad weather, or a personal trait, like shyness. Phrases like 'put a hindrance in someone's way' and 'overcome a hindrance' illustrate how it affects people. Idioms like 'a blessing in disguise' and 'a fly in the ointment' show how it can change the outcome of a situation.