Obstructive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing something or someone that deliberately causes difficulties or delays progress.

• Her obstructive behavior made the meeting very challenging.
• The new regulations are seen as obstructive to business growth.

Used when something slows down or creates obstacles to progress but is not necessarily deliberate.

• Lack of funding is hindering the research project.
• The heavy rains are hindering our construction work.

Appropriate when something is slowing down or obstructing progress or movement, often used in more formal contexts.

• Traffic is impeding my commute to work.
• Certain policies are impeding economic development.

Typically used when something is physically preventing passage or progress.

• A large tree fell, blocking the road.
• He stood in the doorway, blocking the exit.

Similar to 'blocking,' it often refers to something physically or metaphorically getting in the way of progress.

• A fallen tree is obstructing the road.
• He is accused of obstructing justice by hiding evidence.

Use this to describe someone or something that is intentionally causing difficulties in progress or communication.

• He was being obstructive during the meeting by constantly interrupting everyone.

This term typically refers to physically preventing passage or progress, and can also imply deliberate interference.

• The police arrested him for obstructing justice.

This describes something or someone physically stopping movement or access to a place.

• There is a large van blocking the entrance.

Use this to talk about something that is causing a blockage, often in pipes or systems, usually implying the buildup of a substance.

• The sink is clogging because of food particles.

This describes something or someone that is slowing down or hindering progress or movement.

• Heavy traffic is impeding our ability to get to the airport on time.