stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity
Synonyms
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
Of course that became a kind of a stumbling block for a lot of people.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024
Convert hospital to affordable housing There have been quite a few conversations about the need for affordable housing with possible solutions, but the cost of providing them, being too great, has been the stumbling block.
—Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Sep. 2024
Relations with Russia form another stumbling block.
—Robert D. Blackwill, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019
For a long time, drivers have been conditioned to expect to be able to refuel in five minutes or less, and the longer recharging times for BEVs continue to be a stumbling block for the EV-incurious and those who don't like change.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumbling block 
Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024
Convert hospital to affordable housing There have been quite a few conversations about the need for affordable housing with possible solutions, but the cost of providing them, being too great, has been the stumbling block.
—Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Sep. 2024
Relations with Russia form another stumbling block.
—Robert D. Blackwill, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019
For a long time, drivers have been conditioned to expect to be able to refuel in five minutes or less, and the longer recharging times for BEVs continue to be a stumbling block for the EV-incurious and those who don't like change.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 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.
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 Oct. 2024.
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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