stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence

Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project. My plans hit a stumbling block.
Recent Examples on the Web There were mischievous whispers during the sales process that Stephen Lambert’s Studio Lambert deal was up for renewal and was proving to be a stumbling block for some buyers. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2024 And right now, this lack of fear could be a real stumbling block for the Biden campaign. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 19 June 2024 But housing has not been the only stumbling block: lawmakers have also pushed back against a health care blueprint that could cut more than $1 billion from Medicaid programs in New York. Tim Balk, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024 The biggest overall stumbling block is legislators have not found an easy way to replace more than $1 billion that is currently generated by the car tax every year. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for stumbling block 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stumbling block.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stumbling block was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near stumbling block

Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun
stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!