hindrance
C1Formal / General
Definition
Meaning
Something or someone that delays, obstructs, or prevents an action or progress.
An impediment, obstacle, or restriction that makes a process more difficult or less efficient.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Can refer to physical objects, conditions, or abstract factors. Often implies a negative, unwanted effect on progress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Both variants treat it as a standard, somewhat formal word.
Connotations
Neutral-negative; implies frustration or inefficiency caused by an obstacle.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written and formal contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[hindrance] to [noun/gerund] (e.g., a hindrance to progress)[verb] a hindrance (e.g., prove, be, become, remove)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “More of a hindrance than a help”
- “Without let or hindrance (legal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to bureaucratic delays, regulatory obstacles, or inefficient processes hindering growth.
Academic
Used to discuss methodological limitations, confounding variables, or factors impeding research.
Everyday
Describes personal annoyances like bad weather, traffic, or lack of resources slowing one down.
Technical
In sports, a rule violation; in law, an obstruction to a right or activity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new regulations will hinder progress.
- Bad weather hindered the rescue efforts.
American English
- The lawsuit could hinder the company's expansion.
- Poor visibility hindered the investigation.
adjective
British English
- The hindering factors were analysed in the report.
American English
- They faced hindering regulations at every turn.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The heavy bag was a hindrance when I ran.
- Lack of funding is a major hindrance to the project.
- His injury proved a hindrance during the match.
- The complex paperwork constituted a significant hindrance to starting the business.
- She felt her shyness was a hindrance in social situations.
- The treaty was enacted without let or hindrance.
- Parochial attitudes remain the single greatest hindrance to innovation in the sector.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A HIND (deer) RANCES (like prances) in front of your car. It's a HINDRANCE to your journey.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / A JOURNEY (A hindrance is a block in the path).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'помеха' in all contexts; 'hindrance' is more formal.
- Do not confuse with 'handicap' (which can imply a permanent disability).
- Not a direct synonym for 'problem' – it specifically obstructs progress.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'hinderance' (less common variant).
- Using as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much hindrance' is rare; usually 'a hindrance' or 'hindrances').
- Overusing in informal speech where 'problem' or 'issue' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hindrance' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always negative, describing something that obstructs or delays desired progress.
No, the verb form is 'hinder'. 'Hindrance' is exclusively a noun.
They are often synonymous, but 'obstacle' can sound slightly more physical and formidable, while 'hindrance' can imply a less severe, more annoying impediment.
It is less common. The standard preposition is 'to' (a hindrance to progress). 'For' is occasionally used but 'to' is preferred.