The term "albatross" refers to a significant burden or ongoing problem that weighs heavily on an individual. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where an albatross is hung around the mariner's neck as a symbol of guilt and misfortune. This metaphor has since evolved to describe any situation that causes distress or hinders progress. In everyday language, having an "albatross" can signify a responsibility or regret that one cannot easily escape. It often represents the emotional or psychological weight that affects decision-making and overall well-being, making it difficult to move forward in life or achieve goals.