obstacle

noun
UK: /ˈɒbstəkl/
US: /ˈɑːbstəkl/

  1. Something that blocks your way, making it difficult to move forward or achieve something.

    1. The big rock is an obstacle in the road.
    2. Lack of money is a major obstacle to starting a new business.

  2. A difficulty or problem that prevents you from achieving something.

    1. His injury was an obstacle to winning the race.
    2. The language barrier proved to be a formidable obstacle during negotiations.

Synonyms

barrier hurdle block hindrance challenge impediment difficulty
obstacle transitive-verb

  1. To block or impede someone's progress or view.

    1. Don't obstacle the doorway, let others go.
    2. The protesters attempted to obstacle traffic flow during rush hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "obstacle" in English means: Something that blocks your way, making it difficult to move forward or achieve something., A difficulty or problem that prevents you from achieving something..

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

Synonyms for "obstacle": barrier, hurdle, block, hindrance, challenge, impediment, difficulty.

Example usage of "obstacle": "The big rock is an obstacle in the road.". More examples on the page.