head wind
/ˈhed wɪnd/
Meaning
A wind blowing directly against the direction of travel of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, ship, or bicycle. This force slows down progress and increases fuel consumption. Metaphorically, it can also refer to an obstacle or force that makes progress difficult.
Examples
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Our flight was delayed by an hour due to a severe head wind over the Atlantic.
Our flight was delayed by an hour due to a severe head wind over the Atlantic.
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Cycling into a stiff head wind for three hours left the entire team completely exhausted.
Cycling into a stiff head wind for three hours left the entire team completely exhausted.
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The captain warned that the vessel would consume more fuel than expected because of the persistent head wind.
The captain warned that the vessel would consume more fuel than expected because of the persistent head wind.
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Despite facing a strong head wind during takeoff, the aircraft managed a smooth ascent.
Despite facing a strong head wind during takeoff, the aircraft managed a smooth ascent.
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A heavy head wind can dramatically reduce the range of electric vehicles and aircraft alike.
A heavy head wind can dramatically reduce the range of electric vehicles and aircraft alike.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We had to fight a front wind all the way to the harbor.
✓ We had to fight a head wind all the way to the harbor.
English speakers use 'head wind' (or 'headwind') to describe wind blowing directly at the front of a vehicle, not 'front wind'.
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✗ The head wind helped us arrive twenty minutes earlier than scheduled.
✓ The tail wind helped us arrive twenty minutes earlier than scheduled.
A head wind slows you down; a tail wind speeds you up.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Flying west usually takes longer because commercial flights must battle a constant ___.
💡 A wind blowing directly against the aircraft.
Show answer
head wind
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The cyclists struggled to maintain their pace while pedaling directly into a brutal ___.
💡 Wind hitting you from the front.
Show answer
head wind