Hindrance: meaning, definitions and examples

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hindrance

[ˈhɪn.drəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in daily life

A hindrance is something that makes it more difficult for you to do something.

Synonyms

barrier, impediment, obstacle, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hindrance	Used when referring to something that makes progress or movement more difficult but not necessarily blocks it completely. Often used in a general sense. Her lack of experience was a hindrance to getting the job. The new regulations proved to be a hindrance to the company's growth.
obstacle	Typically used to describe a physical or figurative item that blocks one's path, requiring effort or strategy to overcome. Often used in problem-solving or goal-setting scenarios. She had to overcome numerous obstacles to complete her education. The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking trail.
barrier	Refers to something that physically or metaphorically blocks the way and creates a significant challenge to progress. Often used in contexts involving communication, access, or personal growth. Language barriers can make international business difficult. The high fence acts as a barrier to keep the animals in the enclosure.
impediment	Used in formal contexts to denote something that obstructs progression, often with an implication of causing delay or difficulty. Commonly used with abstract concepts like speech or development. A speech impediment can be a considerable challenge for young children. Heavy fines serve as an impediment to illegal parking.
obstruction	Describes something that physically blocks or prevents passage or progress. Often implies a deliberate or significant blockage. There was an obstruction on the road due to a landslide. His obstruction of justice charges led to a lengthy legal battle.

Examples of usage

The bad weather was a hindrance to our progress.
Lack of funding has been a significant hindrance to the project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in achieving goals

A hindrance is an obstacle or difficulty that prevents you from making progress or achieving something.

Synonyms

deterrent, encumbrance, handicap, inhibition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hindrance	Used when referring to something that slows down progress or makes it difficult to achieve something. The rain was a hindrance to our outdoor plans. His lack of experience proved to be a hindrance in his job search.
handicap	Used generally when referring to a physical or mental disability that restricts someone’s abilities, but can also describe a disadvantage or obstacle in various contexts. The term can have negative connotations if used insensitively. His hearing impairment is a significant handicap. Having no car can be a handicap in rural areas.
deterrent	Used to describe something that discourages or prevents a particular action by instilling fear or doubt. The security cameras served as a deterrent to potential thieves. Harsh penalties are intended to be a deterrent against crime.
encumbrance	Used for something that burdens or restricts movement or progress, often in a legal, financial, or physical context. Her heavy backpack was an encumbrance during the hike. The house has an encumbrance in the form of a mortgage.
inhibition	Used for something that restrains or restricts the expression of thoughts, feelings, or actions, often due to social or psychological reasons. Her shyness was an inhibition to her making new friends. Public speaking classes helped him overcome his inhibitions.

Examples of usage

Procrastination can be a hindrance to success.
Negative attitudes can be a hindrance to personal growth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'hindrigan', meaning 'to hinder', which is similar to the Dutch 'hinderen' for 'to obstruct'.
In earlier uses, it was more focused on physical obstacles but has since expanded to include emotional or social delays.
Its first recorded use in the English language dates back to the 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in expressing obstacles.

Psychology

Hindrances can significantly impact motivation levels; feelings of being blocked can lead to frustration and reduced effort.
Cognitive psychologists note that mental barriers, such as fear of failure, can serve as internal hindrances to achieving goals.
Understanding one’s personal hindrances is a key aspect of self-improvement strategies and therapeutic practices.

Education

In learning environments, hindrances can include external factors like distractions, time constraints, or lack of resources.
Understanding specific hindrances in education helps educators create strategies to facilitate better learning experiences for students.
Research suggests that identifying personal and systemic hindrances can enhance educational outcomes and student engagement.

Pop Culture

Many movies and stories feature characters overcoming hindrances, emphasizing the 'hero’s journey' where obstacles must be faced to achieve success.
Reality shows often highlight participants facing hindrances, illustrating resilience and the determination to succeed despite challenges.
Popular songs frequently reference hindrances in love or life, expressing themes of struggle and perseverance.

Health & Wellness

In health contexts, emotional or physical hindrances can impede recovery or healthy lifestyle changes.
Mindfulness practices often focus on overcoming mental hindrances such as anxiety and self-doubt.
Physical rehabilitation often addresses hindrances to mobility, emphasizing gradual progression and the importance of support.

Translations

Translations of the word "hindrance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obstáculo

🇮🇳 बाधा

🇩🇪 Hindernis

🇮🇩 halangan

🇺🇦 перешкода

🇵🇱 przeszkoda

🇯🇵 障害 (しょうがい)

🇫🇷 obstacle

🇪🇸 obstáculo

🇹🇷 engel

🇰🇷 장애물

🇸🇦 عائق

🇨🇿 překážka

🇸🇰 prekážka

🇨🇳 障碍 (zhàng'ài)

🇸🇮 ovira

🇮🇸 hindrun

🇰🇿 кедергі

🇬🇪 ბარიერი

🇦🇿 maneə

🇲🇽 obstáculo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,012, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13009 consortium
13010 chrome
13011 toothed
13012 hindrance
13013 cheered
13014 pedagogical
13015 larynx
...