stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
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
Cuts to Medicaid are a stumbling block for GOP moderates and conservatives alike, who represent districts that make ample use of the federal health care program.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025
The cost of Isak could prove a stumbling block (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Were Sesko or another long-term target available in the summer, things might have been different, but Arsenal did not feel there were attackers on the market who represented clear upgrades, so strengthened other areas.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Financial conflicts emerged as a potential stumbling block.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
However, many teams attempting to connect on AI often run into a major stumbling block: confusion.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
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Tobias Burns, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025
The cost of Isak could prove a stumbling block (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Were Sesko or another long-term target available in the summer, things might have been different, but Arsenal did not feel there were attackers on the market who represented clear upgrades, so strengthened other areas.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Financial conflicts emerged as a potential stumbling block.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
However, many teams attempting to connect on AI often run into a major stumbling block: confusion.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ-
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
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