obstacle
noun
ob·sta·cle
ˈäb-sti-kəl 
-ˌsti-
: something that impedes progress or achievement
Mosquitoes were a great obstacle to the building of the Panama Canal.
… elders … often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles.—
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-Field
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-FieldExamples of obstacle in a Sentence
He overcame the obstacles of poverty and neglect.
They must overcome a number of obstacles before the restaurant can be opened.
Lack of experience is a major obstacle for her opponent.
She swerved to avoid an obstacle in the road.
Recent Examples on the Web
The district is committed to removing obstacles in students’ paths, CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said in the news release.
—Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
Build out a timeline, address potential obstacles and decide who owns each task.
—Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
As a result, digital health companies such as Hims & Hers have been prescribing compounded semaglutide as an alternative for patients who are navigating volatile supply hurdles and insurance obstacles.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025
Another obstacle stood in her way that nobody else overcame on their path to leadership: Leach was a woman.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
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Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
Build out a timeline, address potential obstacles and decide who owns each task.
—Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
As a result, digital health companies such as Hims & Hers have been prescribing compounded semaglutide as an alternative for patients who are navigating volatile supply hurdles and insurance obstacles.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025
Another obstacle stood in her way that nobody else overcame on their path to leadership: Leach was a woman.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obstacle
noun
ob·sta·cle
ˈäb-sti-kəl
: something that stands in the way of progress or achievement : hindrance
drove around the obstacles in the road
didn't let shortness be an obstacle to a basketball career
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