Impediment: meaning, definitions and examples

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impediment

[ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in communication

Something that hinders or obstructs progress or movement. It can be a physical, mental, or emotional barrier.

Synonyms

barrier, hindrance, obstacle, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impediment	Use this word when referring to something that hinders or slows progress, often in a formal or serious context. It is frequently used in legal, medical, or official discussions. His speech impediment made public speaking difficult. They faced an impediment in their plans to build a new school.
obstacle	This word is used for something that blocks the way or makes progress difficult, often implying a need for effort to overcome. Suitable for both physical and metaphorical use. The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking trail. He faced many obstacles in his journey to success.
hindrance	Typically used to describe something that makes a process more difficult but does not completely stop it. Often used in both personal and professional contexts. Her lack of experience was a hindrance to her job performance. The rain was a hindrance to their outdoor plans.
barrier	This word is commonly used for physical objects or figurative challenges that prevent movement or progress. It can be used in both literal and abstract contexts. The language barrier made communication difficult between the two groups. There was a barrier across the road, preventing cars from passing.
obstruction	Typically used to describe something that blocks a path or prevents progress, often with a negative connotation. It can be used in legal and medical contexts or to discuss physical blockages. The obstruction in the pipe caused the sink to overflow. He was fined for obstruction of justice.

Examples of usage

This technical issue is a major impediment to completing the project on time.
His lack of confidence proved to be an impediment in his job interviews.
Language barriers can be an impediment to effective communication.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in legal context

An obstruction that prevents a contract or agreement from being legally valid.

Synonyms

barrier, hindrance, obstacle, obstruction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impediment	Use when referring to something that slows down or prevents progress, especially in a formal or technical sense. A speech impediment can make communication difficult. The project faced an unexpected legal impediment.
obstacle	Useful for describing a challenge or difficulty that needs to be overcome, usually more tangible or specific than 'hindrance'. They encountered several obstacles during their expedition. The main obstacle to reaching an agreement was the lack of trust.
barrier	Best used when talking about something that physically or metaphorically separates or excludes. The language barrier made it hard for them to understand each other. The security barrier prevented unauthorized access.
hindrance	Typically employed to indicate something that makes a task harder to complete, but not impossible. Often used in a slightly negative context. Her injury was a hindrance to her performance in the race. The lack of funding was a hindrance to the research project.
obstruction	Refers to something that blocks the way or hinders physical movement or progress, often carries a negative connotation. The fallen tree was an obstruction in the road. His constant interruptions were an obstruction to the meeting.

Examples of usage

The lack of signatures from all parties will be an impediment to the contract being enforceable.
The unclear terms in the agreement could pose as an impediment in court.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'impedimentum', which means 'hindrance or obstacle'.
It combines 'in-' which means 'not' and 'pedimentum', derived from 'pes' (foot), suggesting something that stops you from moving.
The term has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to physical obstacles.

Literature

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', characters face social and familial impediments that keep them apart.
Many classic novels often feature protagonists overcoming various impediments, making their journeys compelling.
In fairy tales, the hero often faces an impediment, like a dragon or a curse, that they must overcome to achieve their goal.

Psychology

Cognitive impediments can affect how people process information or make decisions, often leading to biases.
Anxiety can act as an impediment to effective communication, making it hard for some to express themselves.
In therapy, identifying personal impediments is essential for developing strategies to overcome them.

Law

In legal contexts, impediments can refer to barriers that prevent parties from accessing justice or participating fully in legal processes.
Certain legal impediments may include age, mental competency, or specific laws that restrict actions.
The concept of 'improper impediment' highlights barriers created by unfair practices within judicial systems.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often face impediments such as societal expectations, familial disapproval, or internal fears before achieving their goals.
The idea of overcoming impediments is a common theme in motivational speeches and self-help books.
Reality TV often showcases individuals overcoming personal impediments to success, resonating with audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "impediment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impedimento

🇮🇳 बाधा

🇩🇪 Hindernis

🇮🇩 hambatan

🇺🇦 перешкода

🇵🇱 przeszkoda

🇯🇵 妨げ (さまたげ)

🇫🇷 obstacle

🇪🇸 impedimento

🇹🇷 engel

🇰🇷 방해 (banghae)

🇸🇦 عائق

🇨🇿 překážka

🇸🇰 prekážka

🇨🇳 障碍 (zhàng'ài)

🇸🇮 ovira

🇮🇸 hindrun

🇰🇿 кедергі

🇬🇪 ბარიერი

🇦🇿 maneə

🇲🇽 impedimento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,182, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13179 speeding
13180 volumetric
13181 cystic
13182 impediment
13183 lactic
13184 rejoiced
13185 tenderly
...