# hampered

/ˈhæmpɝd/ (US) · /hˈæmpəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hampered
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

prevented from moving or making progress easily. You use this when something like bad weather or a lack of money makes a task much harder.

For teachers: hindered or impeded in movement or progress. Often used predicatively after a linking verb or as a participial modifier to describe restricted conditions.

## Examples

- Our progress is hampered by the heavy rain.
- The rescue efforts were severely hampered by the thick fog and the mountainous terrain.
- The company's expansion into international markets was hampered by a combination of strict local regulations and a sudden downturn in the global economy.

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the passive voice or following linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.