Obstacle: meaning, definitions and examples

A challenge or difficulty that must be overcome, often used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

• She overcame every obstacle in her path to success.
• The fallen tree was an obstacle on the road.

A physical or metaphorical boundary that separates or restricts movement or progress. Often suggests something more permanent.

• Language barriers can make communication difficult.
• The fence acted as a barrier between the two properties.

Something that slows down or prevents progress but is usually not insurmountable. Often used for smaller or less significant problems.

• His constant interruptions turned out to be more of a hindrance than help.
• The rain was a hindrance to their outdoor plans.

A serious obstruction or delay, often used in legal, formal, or technical settings. Can imply something more severe or difficult to overcome.

• A speech impediment can make public speaking challenging.
• They faced legal impediments while trying to start the business.

Something that blocks the way or makes movement or progress difficult. Often involves a physical object but can also be used metaphorically.

• There was an obstruction in the pipes causing the water to back up.
• His refusal to cooperate was seen as an obstruction to the investigation.

Use when referring to something that causes difficulty or prevents progress in a broad sense.

• The fallen tree was a major obstacle on the road.
• She faced many obstacles in her career.

Usually refers to an obstacle that needs to be jumped over or something that requires effort to overcome, often in a competitive or process-oriented context.

• The athlete cleared the hurdle effortlessly.
• One of the major hurdles in the project was the budget constraints.

Often used in a physical or figurative sense to describe something that separates or keeps things apart.

• Language barriers can make international communication difficult.
• The construction workers put up a barrier to keep people out of the area.

Typically refers to something that completely stops progress or movement.

• There was a block in the road that caused a traffic jam.
• His shyness was a block to making new friends.

Refers to something that physically or metaphorically stands in the way of progress or achievement. Often used in a general sense for any barrier.

• The fallen tree was an obstacle on the path
• Fear can be an obstacle to success

Describes something that slows down progress rather than stopping it completely, often implying less severe obstruction.

• The snowstorm will hinder our travel to the airport
• Self-doubt can hinder personal growth

Often used in more formal contexts and suggests a stronger obstruction that slows down or prevents movement or progress.

• Construction work will impede traffic flow for the next two weeks
• His lack of experience may impede his career advancement

Implies something that entirely stops progress or movement, often used for both abstract and physical situations.

• The accident caused a traffic block on the highway
• He tried to block out the noise

Indicates limiting or making it difficult to progress, often used for interruptions or limitations imposed by someone or something.

• The heavy rain will hamper our plans for a picnic
• His limited English skills could hamper his ability to get hired