impediment

noun
UK: /ɪmˈpedɪmənt/
US: /ɪmˈpedɪmənt/

  1. A physical problem that makes speaking, moving, or doing something difficult.

    1. His stutter was a speech impediment.
    2. The broken leg proved a temporary impediment to his dancing career.

  2. Something that blocks progress or makes it difficult for someone to do something.

    1. Lack of funding is a major impediment to research.
    2. The country's trade barriers are an impediment to economic growth for smaller nations.

Synonyms

obstacle hindrance barrier obstruction difficulty handicap

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "impediment" in English means: A physical problem that makes speaking, moving, or doing something difficult., Something that blocks progress or makes it difficult for someone to do something..

The phonetic transcription of "impediment" is /ɪmˈpedɪmənt/ in British English and /ɪmˈpedɪmənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "impediment": obstacle, hindrance, barrier, obstruction, difficulty, handicap.

Example usage of "impediment": "His stutter was a speech impediment.". More examples on the page.