hindered: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “hindered” mean?
Made it difficult for someone or something to proceed, develop, or act freely.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Made it difficult for someone or something to proceed, develop, or act freely.
Slowed down, obstructed, or impeded progress or movement, often by creating obstacles or unfavorable conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of past tense/past participle is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both dialects; equally common in written and spoken English.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. Slightly more prevalent in formal, academic, or official registers.
Grammar
How to Use “hindered” in a Sentence
be hindered by [noun phrase]hinder [someone/something] from [verb-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hindered” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The heavy rain hindered the rescue efforts throughout the day.
- She felt hindered by the lack of proper training.
American English
- Bureaucratic red tape hindered the launch of the new business.
- His injury hindered him from playing in the championship.
adjective
British English
- The hindered progress of the bill frustrated MPs.
- With hindered movement, the climber retreated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Project delivery was hindered by supply chain disruptions.
Academic
The research was hindered by a lack of available primary sources.
Everyday
My walk was hindered by all the fallen branches after the storm.
Technical
Signal propagation is hindered by atmospheric interference.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hindered”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hindered”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hindered”
- Incorrect: 'The bad weather hindered to go out.' Correct: 'The bad weather hindered us from going out.' or 'The bad weather hindered our going out.'
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'slowed down' or 'got in the way of' might be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for people, processes, projects, growth, movement, or any entity capable of progress or action (e.g., 'Recovery was hindered,' 'Traffic flow was hindered').
'Hinder' means to make slow or difficult. 'Prevent' means to stop something completely. 'Hamper' is very similar to 'hinder' but can sometimes imply entanglement or being weighed down.
Very rarely. It almost always describes an unwanted obstruction. A contrived positive might be 'The delay hindered his rash decision, allowing time for reflection.'
'By' (introducing the agent of hindrance) is most common: 'hindered by rain'. 'From' + verb-ing is used when the focus is on the action prevented: 'hindered from leaving'.
Made it difficult for someone or something to proceed, develop, or act freely.
Hindered is usually formal to neutral in register.
Hindered: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪndəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪndɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Throw a spanner in the works (similar concept, UK), Put a spoke in someone's wheel (similar concept, archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIND (deer) with its legs tied - it can't run, its movement is HINDERED.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / AN OBSTACLE IS A PHYSICAL BLOCKAGE (e.g., 'His recovery was hindered by setbacks').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hindered' INCORRECTLY?