Hampered

To be hampered means to be impeded, restricted, or slowed down in progress or movement. It suggests the presence of obstacles or difficulties that hinder someone or something from achieving a desired outcome or moving freely. It implies a constraint or limitation that can be physical, metaphorical, or situational. The effect of being hampered is a reduction in efficiency, effectiveness, or speed. The degree of hampering can vary from slight inconvenience to complete obstruction. The word can be used in both active (someone doing the hampering) and passive (being hampered) voices, offering flexibility in describing the cause and effect of the restriction.

Hampered meaning with examples

• The dense fog hampered the pilots' visibility, making it difficult to land the plane. Despite all modern technologies, the pilots were forced to navigate by instruments only. All incoming flights were affected. The weather report was broadcast repeatedly to keep the waiting travelers updated. This significant limitation resulted in delays and increased the risk of an accident, thus slowing things down.
• His lack of experience hampered his ability to negotiate a favorable deal. He'd never been in a position to be the head negotiator for such a big project and it was clear to his potential customers, thus reducing his chance to make deals. The negotiation process suffered as a result and they decided to move on to the next seller.
• The shortage of building materials hampered the construction of the new bridge. Deliveries became erratic, delaying work on-site. The lack of supplies and resources greatly slowed the pace of the project, disrupting the construction schedule and increasing project costs.
• Injuries hampered her performance in the final competition. Due to these, her ability to maintain her normal routines were affected. Despite her best efforts and immense will, her impaired state ultimately caused her to lose by a fraction of a second.
• Red tape and bureaucratic processes hampered the efforts to provide disaster relief after the earthquake. The sheer volume of paperwork caused the delivery of aid to get delayed. The complex rules and requirements restricted the speed and efficiency of the operation, causing hardship for the affected population.