hindrance

Hindrance is a factor or condition that impedes progress toward a goal. As a noun, it denotes something that makes achievement more difficult; as a verb, hinder means to create a hindrance or to hold back. The term is often used interchangeably with obstacle, barrier, or impediment, though each word carries slightly different connotations. Hindrance can be physical, informational, procedural, or relational, depending on the context.

The word derives from Old English hinderian, meaning to hold back, with the noun form arising through the addition of the -ance suffix. In modern use, hindrance emphasizes interference with ongoing effort rather than a fixed physical block.

Contexts and examples include physical hindrances such as objects or terrain that block movement; procedural hindrances arising from complex rules, red tape, or delays in processing; informational hindrances involving gaps in knowledge or limited access to data; and relational hindrances such as discrimination or lack of social support that restrict participation in activities or opportunities.

Fields and terminology: In project management and software development, hindrances are often described as impediments that slow progress; the term impediment is more common in agile practice. In law, hindrance can refer to acts that obstruct a public official or interfere with duties, overlapping with the concept of obstruction.

Overall, hindrance emphasizes interference with progress rather than a purely physical blockade, and it is often distinguished from related terms by its focus on impediment to ongoing activity.