Word
hindrance
Phoneticshin·drance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɪndɹəns/
UK/hˈɪndɹəns/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. something or someone that makes it harder for you to do something. It is a person or thing that gets in your way or slows you down.
n. a person or thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone. Often used in the phrase 'more of a hindrance than a help'.
Examples
“The heavy rain was a hindrance to our travel plans.”
“The outdated software proved to be a major hindrance to the team's productivity during the busy season.”
“While the new regulations were intended to ensure safety, many small business owners argued they acted as a hindrance to innovation and economic growth.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy rain was a hindrance to our travel plans.”
contextual
“The outdated software proved to be a major hindrance to the team's productivity during the busy season.”
complex
“While the new regulations were intended to ensure safety, many small business owners argued they acted as a hindrance to innovation and economic growth.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'. When used as an uncountable noun, it refers to the abstract state of being impeded.
Real-World Examples
“Catupatree asks : Do you think AI is a help or a hindrance to people making complaints?” Etymology
From Middle English hinderance, hinderaunce, hindraunce, hynderaunce, hynderawnce, hynderawns, hyndrance; equivalent to hinder + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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