headwind

/ˈhedwɪnd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhedwɪnd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhed-ˌwind/ (ame, mw)

headwind — noun

  • headwindsingular
  • headwindsplural

1. wind that blows straight at you from in front while you are travelling forward,

1.名詞B2
釋義

wind that blows straight at you from in front while you are travelling forward, slowing the plane, boat, or rider down.

例句

Yael pedalled slowly along the beach road, struggling against a strong headwind.

collocation: against a strong headwind

The pilot warned passengers that a steady headwind would add forty minutes to the Tokyo flight.

noun phrase: a steady headwind

同義詞
  • contrary wind

    more literary; describes wind blowing against the intended course

  • head breeze

    weaker version; everyday speech among sailors

反義詞
  • tailwind

    wind blowing from behind that pushes you forward and helps you go faster

文法句型

a headwind

into a headwind

strong headwind

用法筆記

Often used with motion verbs and the prepositions 'into' or 'against' (`fly into a headwind`, `pedal against a headwind`). The opposite term is 'tailwind'.

常見錯誤

❌The plane flew with a headwind and arrived early.
✅The plane flew with a tailwind and arrived early.
💡a headwind blows against you and slows you down; a wind that helps you arrive early is a tailwind.

2. a problem or unfavourable condition, especially in business or the economy, that

2.名詞C1
釋義

a problem or unfavourable condition, especially in business or the economy, that makes growth or success harder to achieve.

例句

The small bakery in Brixton faced serious headwinds after energy prices doubled last winter.

collocation: face headwinds

Imani's tech startup hit unexpected headwinds when two key engineers quit in the same month.

phrase: hit headwinds

同義詞
  • obstacle

    more general; not limited to economic contexts

  • challenge

    neutral tone; lacks the implication of an outside force pushing against you

  • headache

    informal; emphasizes annoyance rather than slowed progress

反義詞
  • tailwind

    a favourable condition that helps growth or success

  • boost

    a positive force that speeds progress along

文法句型

face headwinds

economic headwinds

headwinds from

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (literal wind): this metaphorical sense never refers to weather. Typical subjects are firms, economies, industries, projects, or careers. Frequently plural ('headwinds') and very common in financial reporting.

常見錯誤

❌I am facing a headwind in my homework tonight.
✅I am facing a difficulty with my homework tonight.
💡sense 2 is reserved for business, economic, or large-scale challenges, not everyday tasks.