hindrance

/ˈhɪn.drəns/
nounIntermediate
general

A person or thing that makes it difficult to do or achieve something

His constant complaining was a hindrance to team morale.

His frequent complaints negatively affected the team's morale.

The old equipment was a hindrance to productivity.

The outdated machinery slowed down the work process.

💡

Often used to describe something that slows progress or creates difficulties.

Collocations

major hindrancea significant obstacleminor hindrancea small obstaclepose a hindranceto create an obstacle

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'hindrance' when referring to something that slows down or prevents progress.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'hindransen', meaning to hinder or obstruct, from Old English 'hindrian'.

📝Usage Notes

The word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that makes progress difficult.

Word Breakdown

hindr-
to hinder or obstruct
root
+
-ance
the state or condition of
suffix
English Dictionary