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Definition of hindrance

hindrance

/ˈhɪn.drəns/
hin · drance
Plural:hindrances
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hindrance Lexical Profile

hindrance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thing or person that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.

Example

"A lack of adequate funding proved to be a major hindrance to the research project."

2

The state or act of obstructing, delaying, or impeding progress.

Example

"The diplomatic passport allowed the envoy to travel across the border without hindrance."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Note the spelling: the second 'e' of the root verb 'hinder' is dropped before adding the suffix '-ance', making 'hinderance' a common misspelling.

• Nearby Words

hindmost
hindquarter
hindquarters
hindrance
hindsight
hindu kush
hinge

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Late Middle English from the verb 'hinder' (from Old English 'hindrian', meaning 'to keep back' or 'injure') combined with the Anglo-French suffix '-ance'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hindrance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hindrance
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