headwind

noun

1. A wind that blows directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.
2. A strong force that impedes or reverses progress.

   “"Domestic economic activity has been gaining traction in spite of formidable headwinds from external developments," the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its monthly bulletin.”

   “At the same time, Faludi, who is working on a new book about the headwinds feminism is facing, suggested that the movement itself has grown sectarian and insular.”

   ““The increasing appetite for obesity drugs will have myriad implications, boosting sectors such as biotech and creating headwinds for industries such as food and beverage,” the bank’s report said.”

verb

1. (transitive, uncommon)To blow directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.
2. (idiomatic, uncommon)To impede or reverse progress.