hindrance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hindrance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is causing difficulty or delay in achieving a goal or completing a task. For example: The heavy rain was a hindrance to our plans for the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has reported that the only hindrance to the men's progress is "groups of western politicians who have repeatedly stopped them at the border".

The Guardian

"My view is that for some people the national minimum wage may be more of a hindrance than a help.

The Guardian

The motion, which would be tabled at the National Union of Students conference in Sheffield in April, calls on the student body to join the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, in protest at Israel's treatment of Palestinians and its hindrance of attempts to create a Palestinian state.

The Guardian

Kindles are a hindrance to French chic, n'est-ce pas?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And the longer the group performed, the more apparent their frustration with the crowd became a hindrance to the overall quality of their show.

The Guardian

I want a system where the NAO can look at any area of concern without hindrance or delay.

The Guardian

He had to make eight presentations before his ideas were accepted, and then there was no hindrance.

The Guardian

And is not spirit-drinking also, as practised here, a hindrance, even if in a less degree?

The Guardian

An inability to move from or redevelop their decrepit Somerset Park home has been a major hindrance to Ayr's plans for progress over the past two decades.

The Guardian - Sport

Sir Christopher Bland's criticism of the NAO on Thursday followed culture secretary Maria Miller's call for the watchdog to be given greater access to BBC finances and be allowed to "look at any area of concern without hindrance or delay".

The Guardian

"If those people who consider it is being a hindrance to them, and in my view that's some of the most vulnerable people in society, if they feel that for a short period of time, taking a lower rate of pay to help them get on their first rung of the jobs ladder, if they judge that that is a good thing, I don't see why we should be standing in their way".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hindrance", consider whether a more specific term like "obstacle" or "impediment" would provide greater clarity or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "hindrance" when a more precise word like "obstacle", "impediment", or "deterrent" would better capture the specific nature of the obstruction.

Linguistic Context

The noun "hindrance" primarily functions as a subject complement or object within a sentence, identifying something that causes delay or obstruction. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it commonly describes situations or factors that impede progress. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hindrance" is a versatile and commonly used noun that denotes something causing delay or obstruction. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in news and media and more formal and business settings. When writing, consider if a more specific term might provide greater clarity. Overall, "hindrance" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for accurately describing impediments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediment

A more formal synonym referring to a physical or abstract obstacle.

obstacle

Refers to something that blocks progress or stands in the way.

deterrent

Something that discourages or prevents action, often through fear or doubt.

stumbling block

An obstacle to progress or understanding.

encumbrance

Something burdensome or impeding, either physically or figuratively.

restraint

A force or influence that checks or limits freedom of action or expression.

shackle

Suggests a severe restriction, often one that is unjust or oppressive.

straightjacket

Implies a very restrictive or confining influence.

drawback

A disadvantage or negative aspect.

liability

Something that acts as a disadvantage, a burden or puts someone at a disadvantage.

FAQs

How can I use "hindrance" in a sentence?

Use "hindrance" to describe something that delays or prevents progress. For instance, "The outdated technology was a major hindrance to the project's success".

What can I say instead of "hindrance"?

You can use alternatives like "impediment", "obstacle", or "deterrent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "a hindrance to" or "a hindrance for" something?

While both are sometimes used, "a hindrance to" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound. For example, "The new regulations are a hindrance to business growth" is better than "a hindrance for".

What's the difference between "hindrance" and "obstacle"?

"Hindrance" suggests something that delays or impedes progress, while "obstacle" implies something that directly blocks or prevents it. An obstacle may be impassable, while a hindrance merely slows things down.