Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of hindering or obstructing or impeding: The action of making it difficult for someone or something to proceed or act.
   • Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome: A physical object or condition that blocks or slows progress.
   • Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress: An abstract factor, such as a rule, a feeling, or a circumstance, that creates difficulty.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His constant interruptions were a significant hindrance to our progress. (His actions delayed our work.)
  • The fallen tree on the road was a major hindrance to traffic. (The physical object blocked the way.)
  • Lack of funding is the primary hindrance to the project's completion. (An abstract condition is preventing progress.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be more of a hindrance than a help": To cause more problems or delays than assistance.
  • The new, complicated software was more of a hindrance than a help to the team.
• "Without let or hindrance" (formal/legal): Without any obstruction or interference.
  • The treaty guarantees that goods shall pass through without let or hindrance.

Variants and Related Words

• Hinder (verb): To create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction.
  • Bad weather hindered the rescue efforts.
• Hindering (adjective/participle): Serving to obstruct.
  • The hindering factors were carefully analyzed.

Synonyms

• Obstacle: Something that blocks one's way or prevents progress.
• Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
• Barrier: A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
• Handicap: A circumstance that makes progress or success difficult.

Antonyms

• Aid: Help or support.
• Assistance: The action of helping someone.
• Advantage: A condition giving a greater chance of success.
• Facilitation: The action of making an action or process easy or easier.

Related Phrases

• A hindrance to progress: Something that slows down or stops advancement.
  • Bureaucracy is often a hindrance to progress.
• To pose a hindrance: To present itself as an obstacle.
  • The language barrier posed a significant hindrance to communication.

Noun

1. the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
3. something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress