Synonyms for hindrance
Most common
impediment obstacle barrier obstruction encumbrance interference
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Impediment
impediment, obstacle, barrier, obstruction, hinderance, drawback, delay, difficulty, disadvantage, interruption, restraint, hurdle, deterrent, stop, handicap, resistance, let, detention, check, bar, retarding, control
2. Encumbrance
Definitions
- n. 1
Something which hinders: something that holds back or causes problems with something else.
High-heeled shoes may be fashionable, but they can also be a hindrance to walking.
- n. 2
The state or act of hindering something.
Your hindrance of this process will not be tolerated.
Related words
- Word family
- hinder
Forms
- Plural
- hindrances → impediments, obstacles, barriers, obstructions…
Choose the right word
A hindrance (kindred with hind, behind) is anything that makes one come behind or short of his purpose. A difficulty or a hindrance may be either within one or without; a speaker may find difficulty in expressing himself, or difficulty in holding the attention of restless children.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- barrier There was a language barrier between Ziri and Rima.
- obstacle Bypassing this obstacle, you find your way again.
- obstruction Tom was charged with obstruction of justice.
- impediment Impatience is a definite impediment to success.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| hindrance | steady | |
| barrier | steady | |
| obstacle | steady | |
| obstruction | steady | |
| impediment | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- let1, bar1
- 4 letters
- stop1
- 5 letters
- check1, delay2, hitch1
- 6 letters
- hurdle2
- 7 letters
- control2, barrier3
- 8 letters
- obstacle3, handicap3, drawback2
- 9 letters
- detention3, restraint2, deterrent3, retarding3
- 10 letters
- resistance3, difficulty4, preventive3, impediment4, hinderance
- 11 letters
- obstruction3, encumbrance
- 12 letters
- interference4, disadvantage4, interruption4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (delay2 = 2 syllables).