Obstructor: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'obstructor' when specifically talking about a person or thing that actively blocks or stops progress.

• The opposition party acts as an obstructor in the legislative process.
• He was seen as an obstructor of innovation within the company.

Use 'obstructionist' to describe a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress, often in a political or bureaucratic context. This term carries a negative connotation.

• The senator was labeled an obstructionist for blocking the bill.
• The CEO accused the board of being obstructionists against new policies.

Use 'hindrance' to describe something that makes it difficult to accomplish a task, though not necessarily completely stopping it. This term is often used to describe smaller or less significant barriers.

• Her lack of experience was a hindrance to her career advancement.
• The heavy snowfall was a hindrance to our travel plans.

Use 'impediment' to refer to an obstacle that significantly delays or makes it difficult to proceed, similar to 'hindrance' but often more formal or severe.

• His speech impediment made public speaking challenging.
• The lack of funding served as a serious impediment to the project's progress.

Use this in formal situations where you need to describe someone or something that deliberately gets in the way of progress. It often has a negative connotation.

• The new regulations are seen as an obstructor to innovation and growth

Appropriate in casual or technical contexts, particularly in sports or project management, to describe something that prevents progress.

• We need to identify and remove any blockers in our software development process

Useful in both formal and informal settings to describe something that stands in the way of achieving something. It can be physical or metaphorical.

• Language differences can be a barrier to effective communication

Suitable for both formal and informal settings to describe anything that makes it difficult to achieve a goal. It can be used metaphorically or literally.

• Despite numerous obstacles, she achieved her dream of becoming a doctor