Hindrance is the correct spelling, while hinderance is a common misspelling. Trusted dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Collins Dictionary, recognize only hindrance as standard English.
Many people confuse these spellings because the noun comes from the verb hinder, making it seem natural to add an extra “e.”
However, that spelling is incorrect. Using the right form helps you write clearly in emails, essays, reports, blog posts, and professional documents.
This guide explains the correct spelling, meaning, pronunciation, dictionary evidence, word origin, and common mistakes.
It also includes practical examples and simple tips to help you remember the correct form and avoid this common English spelling error.
Quick Answer
The correct spelling is hindrance.
Hinderance is a common misspelling and is not recognized by standard English dictionaries. Always use hindrance in formal and informal writing.
Correct Examples
- The heavy rain became a hindrance to the construction project.
- His fear of failure was a hindrance to his progress.
- Poor internet service created a hindrance during the online meeting.
- A lack of experience should never be a hindrance to learning.
- Traffic was a major hindrance on our trip.
Incorrect Examples
Incorrect: The heavy rain became a hinderance to the construction project.
Correct: The heavy rain became a hindrance to the construction project.
Incorrect: His fear of failure was a hinderance to his progress.
Correct: His fear of failure was a hindrance to his progress.
Incorrect: Poor internet service created a hinderance during the online meeting.
Correct: Poor internet service created a hindrance during the online meeting.
Incorrect: A lack of experience should never be a hinderance to learning.
Correct: A lack of experience should never be a hindrance to learning.
Incorrect: Traffic was a major hinderance on our trip.
Correct: Traffic was a major hindrance on our trip.
What Does Hindrance Mean?
A hindrance is something that makes progress more difficult or prevents someone from achieving a goal. It may be a physical obstacle, a difficult situation, or even a personal habit that slows success.
The word is widely used in everyday conversation, education, business writing, legal documents, and professional communication. It describes anything that creates a barrier or delay.
For example, poor planning can become a hindrance to a successful project, while bad weather may be a hindrance during travel. In education, a lack of practice can be a hindrance to improving language skills. At work, outdated technology can be a hindrance to productivity.
The spelling hinderance has no accepted meaning because it is not a standard English word. Whenever you need this noun, always write hindrance.
How to Spell and Pronounce Hindrance
The correct spelling is hindrance.
Although the word comes from the verb hinder, the noun drops the extra “e” before adding the ending. This spelling has been accepted in English for centuries and is used in all major dictionaries.
| English Variety | IPA Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| American English | /ˈhɪn.drəns/ |
| British English | /ˈhɪn.drəns/ |
Simple pronunciation: HIN-drəns
Many people write hinderance because they spell the word the way they think it should look. Since the verb ends with -er, adding another “e” feels natural. However, English spelling rules do not follow that pattern here. The standard noun is hindrance, and that is the spelling you should use in every type of writing.
Why Do People Confuse Hinderance and Hindrance?
The confusion usually begins with the verb hinder. Since the verb ends with -er, many writers naturally assume the noun should be hinderance. However, English does not always form nouns by simply adding a suffix to the original spelling.
Another reason is pronunciation. Both spellings sound almost the same in everyday speech, so many people write the word exactly as they hear it. This is known as phonetic spelling, and it causes many common English misspellings.
Typing habits also contribute to the mistake. When writing quickly, people often insert the extra “e” without noticing. Because hinderance appears in search engines and on unofficial websites, some writers mistakenly believe it is an acceptable alternative. In reality, only hindrance is recognized in standard English.
Is Hinderance a Real Word?
No. Hinderance is not a real word in standard English. It is a spelling mistake that has become common because of pronunciation and the spelling of the verb hinder.
Trusted references such as Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Collins Dictionary recognize only hindrance. If you use hinderance in academic, professional, or published writing, it will generally be treated as a spelling error.
Whenever you need the noun that means something that delays or blocks progress, always write hindrance.
Where Did the Word Hindrance Come From?
The word hindrance has its roots in Old English. It developed from the verb hinder, meaning to delay, obstruct, or prevent progress. As English evolved, the noun hindrance became the accepted form used to describe an obstacle or barrier.
Interestingly, the spelling has remained stable for centuries. Although many people now write hinderance, that version has never become part of standard English. Modern dictionaries, publishers, and style guides continue to use only hindrance.
This history explains why the correct spelling may not seem obvious. English often preserves older spelling patterns that do not always match modern pronunciation.
What Do Major Dictionaries Say?
All leading English dictionaries agree on the correct spelling.
| Dictionary | Accepted Spelling | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Merriam-Webster | Hindrance | Standard English |
| Oxford Dictionary | Hindrance | Standard English |
| Cambridge Dictionary | Hindrance | Standard English |
| Collins Dictionary | Hindrance | Standard English |
None of these dictionaries lists hinderance as the standard spelling. This consistent agreement confirms that hindrance is the only correct choice for formal and everyday writing.
Does the Spelling Change in British and American English?
No. Unlike words such as color/colour or center/centre, this word has no regional spelling difference.
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | Hindrance | Hindrance |
| Incorrect spelling | Hinderance | Hinderance |
| Dictionary form | Hindrance | Hindrance |
| Standard usage | Hindrance | Hindrance |
| Professional writing | Hindrance | Hindrance |
Whether you are writing for readers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or any other English-speaking country, hindrance is always the correct spelling.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
American English
In American English, hindrance is the only correct spelling. It is used in schools, universities, businesses, government documents, and professional writing. If you are writing for a U.S. audience, always choose hindrance.
British English
British English follows the same rule. Dictionaries, newspapers, publishers, and educational institutions all use hindrance. The spelling hinderance is considered incorrect.
Canada
Canadian English also recognizes hindrance as the standard spelling. Whether you are writing an email, research paper, or business report, this is the form you should use.
Australia
Australian English uses hindrance in both formal and informal communication. Major style guides and dictionaries do not accept hinderance.
International English
For global readers, hindrance is the safest and most accurate choice. Since every major variety of English uses the same spelling, you never need to change it for different audiences.
An Easy Way to Remember the Correct Spelling
A simple trick is to remember that hindrance drops the “e” from hinder before becoming a noun.
Think of this phrase:
“A hindrance removes progress—and it also removes the extra ‘e’.”
Another helpful reminder is to notice how the word ends. If you see hinderance, check it again. The correct spelling is always hindrance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many writers make the same spelling mistakes when using this word. Learning these examples can help you avoid them in your own writing.
Wrong: The delay became a hinderance to our success.
Correct: The delay became a hindrance to our success.
Explanation: The noun is spelled hindrance, not hinderance.
Wrong: Money is the biggest hinderance for small businesses.
Correct: Money is the biggest hindrance for small businesses.
Explanation: Professional writing always uses hindrance.
Wrong: Bad weather created another hinderance.
Correct: Bad weather created another hindrance.
Explanation: Do not add the extra “e.”
Wrong: His fear became a hinderance to learning.
Correct: His fear became a hindrance to learning.
Explanation: All major dictionaries recognize only hindrance.
Wrong: The software bug was a serious hinderance.
Correct: The software bug was a serious hindrance.
Explanation: The correct spelling remains the same in every type of English.
Everyday Examples
Emails
The missing information became a hindrance to completing the project on time.
Business Writing
Rising costs are no longer a hindrance to our expansion plans.
Education
Limited practice can be a hindrance to improving writing skills.
Social Media
Slow internet is such a hindrance when uploading videos.
Daily Conversation
The road closure was a real hindrance this morning.
Technology
Outdated hardware can become a hindrance to system performance.
Related Searches
People searching for hinderance or hindrance also look for:
- hindrance meaning
- hindrance definition
- hindrance pronunciation
- correct spelling of hindrance
- how to spell hindrance
- hindrance in a sentence
- hindrance grammar
- hindrance dictionary
- common English misspellings
- English spelling rules
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hindrance | Hinderance |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | Yes | No |
| Standard English word | Yes | No |
| Recognized by major dictionaries | Yes | No |
| Accepted in professional writing | Yes | No |
| Has a meaning | Yes | No |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhɪn.drəns/ | Often pronounced the same but incorrectly spelled |
| Recommended usage | Always use | Avoid |
FAQs
1. Is hindrance or hinderance the correct spelling?
Hindrance is the correct spelling. Hinderance is a common misspelling and should not be used in standard English.
2. Is hinderance a real English word?
No. It is not recognized as a standard English word by major dictionaries.
3. What does hindrance mean?
It means something that delays, blocks, or makes progress more difficult.
4. Why do people write hinderance instead of hindrance?
Many people mistakenly keep the extra “e” from the verb hinder, even though the noun is correctly spelled hindrance.
5. Is hindrance used in both American and British English?
Yes. Both American and British English use the same spelling: hindrance.
6. How do you pronounce hindrance?
It is pronounced HIN-drəns and written in IPA as /ˈhɪn.drəns/.
7. Is hindrance a noun or a verb?
Hindrance is a noun. The related verb is hinder.
8. Can I use hinderance in an essay or business email?
No. It is considered a spelling mistake. Always use hindrance in formal writing.
9. What is the verb form of hindrance?
The verb form is hinder, which means to delay or make something difficult.
10. What are some synonyms for hindrance?
Common synonyms include obstacle, barrier, impediment, difficulty, restriction, and blockage.
11. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember that the noun drops the extra “e” from hinder, making the correct spelling hindrance.
12. Which dictionaries accept hindrance?
Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Collins Dictionary all recognize hindrance as the standard spelling.
Final Verdict
The correct spelling is hindrance. Although hinderance is a common misspelling, it is not accepted in standard English or recognized by trusted dictionaries.
If you want your writing to be clear, accurate, and professional, always choose hindrance.
A useful way to remember the spelling is that the noun drops the extra “e” from the verb hinder. This simple rule can help you avoid one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
Whether you are writing an email, assignment, article, report, or social media post, hindrance is the correct choice.
Using the standard spelling shows attention to detail and improves the quality of your writing.
