A hindrance is something that makes a task harder or slows down progress. If you're trying to finish your homework but your little brother keeps asking you questions, he's being a hindrance. Heavy snow can be a hindrance to traffic, and a broken shoelace can be a hindrance when you're rushing to catch the bus.

The word suggests an obstacle or interference that gets in the way, though it doesn't necessarily stop you completely. A hindrance makes things more difficult or annoying, like trying to read with flickering lights or build with Legos while wearing thick winter gloves. You can usually work around a hindrance, but it takes extra time or effort.

Sometimes people say “more of a hindrance than a help” when someone's attempts to assist actually make things worse. Imagine trying to bake cookies while a well-meaning friend keeps stirring the bowl at the wrong times or using incorrect measurements.

The opposite of a hindrance is an aid or a help, something that makes your task easier. When you remove hindrances from your workspace, like clearing clutter off your desk or turning off distracting music, you create better conditions for focusing and getting things done.