What is hindrance? Pronunciation and usage in English

hindrance means . Learn how to pronounce and use hindrance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hindrance

hindrancenoun

/ˈhɪndrəns//ˈhɪndrəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hindrance." It's a tricky one because it has a few sounds that might not be familiar to non-native speakers. Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • hind - rhymes with "wind" or "kind"
  • rance - This is the tricky part!

2. Pronunciation of "rance":

  • "r" sound: Make sure your tongue taps the roof of your mouth behind your teeth. This is a trilled "r" (though a very light trill is perfectly acceptable, especially for English speakers). If you can't trill, a flap "r" (like in "butter") is okay too, but aim for the trill if you can.
  • "ah" sound: Say the vowel sound as in "father" or "car."
  • "n" sound: Just a regular "n."
  • "s" sound: Said quickly and lightly.

3. Putting it all together:

The whole word sounds something like: "hin-drans"

Here's a way to break it down visually:

  • hin (like "thin")
  • drans (with a light trilled "r" and a quick "s" at the end)

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips:

  • Focus on the “r”: This is really the key to getting it right.
  • Don't overemphasize the “s”: It’s a very light sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The resources above are incredibly helpful.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down into even smaller parts?

Usage and examples with the word hindrance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hindrance" effectively in English. It's a slightly formal word, so it's best used when you want to express something that actively obstructs or impedes progress.

1. Definition:

  • Core Meaning: A hindrance is something that prevents or delays progress, success, or action. It's an obstacle.
  • Synonyms: Obstacle, impediment, barrier, difficulty, snag, setback.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts & Examples:

Here’s a breakdown of how you can incorporate “hindrance” into your sentences, categorized by the type of situation:

  • As a Noun (the thing that's hindering):

    • General Obstruction: “The heavy rain was a major hindrance to the construction project.” (The rain prevented the project.)
    • Personal Difficulty: "His lack of experience was a significant hindrance to his ability to lead the team." (His lack of experience impeded his leadership.)
    • Physical Obstacle: "The rocky terrain presented a serious hindrance to our hike." (The terrain blocked our way.)
    • Emotional/Mental Block: "Anxiety can be a powerful hindrance to creativity." (Anxiety stopped the creative process.)
    • Bureaucracy: "Excessive paperwork is a common hindrance to small businesses.” (Paperwork slows down businesses.)

  • As a Verb (to hinder – to make something difficult):

    • "The faulty equipment began to hinder production." (The equipment was making production more difficult.)
    • "His constant complaining hindered the team's morale." (His complaining prevented the team’s good spirit.)
    • “Poor communication can hinder a project’s success.” (Poor communication makes success less likely.)

3. Important Nuances & Usage Tips:

  • Formal Tone: "Hindrance" is generally more formal than words like "problem" or "difficulty." It’s suitable for writing, speeches, and more official conversations.
  • Severity: It implies a significant obstacle. A minor inconvenience might be described as a “difficulty,” but a serious problem is more likely a “hindrance.”
  • Focus on Prevention: "Hindrance" emphasizes that something is actively stopping you from doing something.

4. Examples in Sentences (Combining Noun & Verb Forms):

  • “The faulty wiring was a hindrance to the electrician’s work, and he had to hinder the progress until it was repaired.”
  • "Lack of funding has been a constant hindrance to the research team, but they are determined not to let it hinder their findings."

5. Let’s Practice!

Try rewriting these sentences using "hindrance" where it fits best:

  1. The traffic jam made it difficult to get to the meeting.
  2. His nervousness affected his performance on the stage.
  3. The storm disrupted the power supply.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific context (e.g., business, personal development, writing)?
  • Create a short exercise for you to practice using the word?

Synonyms for the word hindrance

Practice with vocabulary hindrance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The lack of proper funding proved to be a significant ______________ to the timely completion of the research project.
  2. Despite their best efforts, bureaucratic red tape became an unexpected ______________, delaying the merger for months.
  3. Solving the complex ethical dilemma presented a formidable ______________ for the entire management team.
  4. Effective communication is a crucial ______________ for successful team collaboration, especially in remote work environments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. What word(s) best describe something that makes progress difficult or creates an obstacle? a) catalyst b) advantage c) hindrance d) incentive

  2. Insufficient data accessibility was a major ________ to our analytical workflow, slowing down critical reporting. a) impediment b) convenience c) hindrance d) facilitator

  3. Which of the following can be considered an obstacle or a barrier to achieving a goal? a) a breakthrough b) an enabler c) a boost d) a hindrance e) a snag

  4. The team faced a significant ________ when their primary software system unexpectedly crashed, bringing all operations to a halt. a) setback b) opportunity c) stimulus d) enhancement

  5. The new regulations acted as a powerful ________, discouraging companies from engaging in environmentally harmful practices. a) stimulus b) deterrent c) incentive d) catalyst

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The outdated technology in the department made it very difficult for employees to work efficiently. Rewrite using "hindrance":

  2. Original: The lack of clear communication often prevents project teams from reaching their full potential. Rewrite using "hindrance":

  3. Original: His persistent illness temporarily stopped his progress in the marathon training. Rewrite not using "hindrance":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hindrance
  2. hindrance
  3. challenge
  4. factor

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) hindrance
  2. a) impediment, c) hindrance
  3. d) hindrance, e) snag
  4. a) setback
  5. b) deterrent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The outdated technology in the department proved to be a significant hindrance to employee efficiency.
  2. The lack of clear communication is often a hindrance to project teams reaching their full potential.
  3. His persistent illness created a temporary impediment to his progress in the marathon training.

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