noun C2 Proficient

hindrance

HIHND-ruhns

Hindrance (noun) means something that gets in the way or slows progress; an obstacle. Example: “The broken lift was a real hindrance to the elderly residents.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

noun

Something that gets in the way or slows progress; an obstacle.

"The broken lift was a real hindrance to the elderly residents."

"Rather than helping, his advice turned out to be more of a hindrance."

How to use hindrance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA problem or obstacle that makes something harder to do.

Common pairings

a hindrance to more of a hindrance than a help

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like hindrance.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

hindrances plural

Test yourself on “hindrance” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The broken lift was a real _____ to the elderly residents.

Etymology

From Middle English hinderaunce, from hinder + -ance.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

bar drag barrier bone in the throat bump in the road impediment obstruction obstacle encumbrance hurdle roadblock stumbling block

Related words

line problem cause wall bar carry challenge block

Rhymes for hindrance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

See all rhymes for hindrance →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hindrance” mean?

The word “hindrance” means something that gets in the way or slows progress; an obstacle. In plain terms, a problem or obstacle that makes something harder to do.

How do you pronounce “hindrance”?

“Hindrance” is pronounced HIHND-ruhns (/ˈhɪndɹəns/ in IPA).

How do you use “hindrance” in a sentence?

Here is “hindrance” used in a sentence: “The broken lift was a real hindrance to the elderly residents.”

What is another word for “hindrance”?

Words with a similar meaning to “hindrance” include bar, drag, barrier, bone in the throat, bump in the road and impediment.

What part of speech is “hindrance”?

“Hindrance” is a noun.

Where does the word “hindrance” come from?

The word “hindrance” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hinderaunce, from hinder + -ance.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include hindrance:

C2 vocabulary words

People also searched

line problem cause wall bar carry challenge block