headwind

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headwind

The cyclist pedals hard against the strong headwind.

Definition

Noun: 1. A wind blowing directly against the forward course of a vehicle (such as a ship, aircraft, bicycle, or runner): A headwind is a wind that comes from the direction you are moving toward, making progress slower and more difficult. 2. (Figurative) A force or influence that opposes progress or success: In a metaphorical sense, a headwind represents any condition, factor, or circumstance that creates resistance or difficulty for an endeavor.

Usage
  • Headwind is primarily used as a countable noun.
  • It is commonly modified by adjectives describing its strength (e.g., , , , , ).
  • The preposition "against" is often used with it (e.g., ).
Examples
  • Literal:
    • The cyclist struggled to maintain speed in the strong headwind.
    • The plane's arrival was delayed due to powerful headwinds over the Atlantic.
    • Sailing against the headwind required great skill from the crew.
  • Figurative:
    • The new company faced significant economic headwinds in its first year.
    • The policy reform encountered political headwinds in parliament.
    • Rising interest rates are creating a headwind for the housing market.
Advanced Usage
  • "To face/encounter headwinds": To experience difficulties or opposition.
    • The industry is facing headwinds from changing consumer habits.
  • "A headwind to growth/progress": Something that slows down development.
    • Inflation remains a headwind to economic growth.
Variants and Related Words
  • Headwinds (plural noun): Often used to describe multiple or sustained challenging conditions.
    • The project navigated several headwinds before succeeding.
  • Tailwind (noun): The opposite of a headwind; a wind blowing in the same direction as travel, aiding progress. Also used figuratively.
    • A strong tailwind helped the ship reach port early.
    • Falling energy prices provided a tailwind for manufacturing.
Synonyms
  • Opposing wind
  • Contrary wind
  • (Figurative) Obstacle, hindrance, impediment, resistance, setback
Antonyms
  • Tailwind
  • (Figurative) Advantage, boost, tailwind (fig.)
Related Phrases/Idioms
  • "To be/run into a headwind": To be in a situation where progress is actively being resisted.
    • Their campaign ran into a headwind after the scandal.
  • "Head-on wind": A less common but descriptive synonym emphasizing the direct opposition.
headwind

The cyclist pedals hard against the strong headwind.

Noun
  1. wind blowing opposite to the path of a ship or aircraft