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
That means clearly communicating what’s happening with this ongoing Fitbit integration, which, to my eye, is the most obvious potential stumbling block outside of its fragile screens.
—
Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2024
In Pace’s view, however, none of those factors is the main stumbling block on the lunar trajectory.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
Creatives can overcome the ideation stumbling blocks and refine or augment content quickly.
—John Hall, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
The deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas − and its colossal civilian death toll − has been a major stumbling block for Democrats in Michigan, with its large Arab American population.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumbling block 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2024
In Pace’s view, however, none of those factors is the main stumbling block on the lunar trajectory.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
Creatives can overcome the ideation stumbling blocks and refine or augment content quickly.
—John Hall, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
The deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas − and its colossal civilian death toll − has been a major stumbling block for Democrats in Michigan, with its large Arab American population.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumbling block
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 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ-
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share