obstacle
noun
ob·sta·cle
ˈäb-sti-kəl 
-ˌsti-
: something that impedes progress or achievement
Mosquitoes were a great obstacle to the building of the Panama Canal.
… elders … often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles.—
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-Field
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-FieldSynonyms
Examples of obstacle in a Sentence
He overcame the obstacles of poverty and neglect.
They must overcome a number of obstacles before the restaurant can be opened.
Lack of experience is a major obstacle for her opponent.
She swerved to avoid an obstacle in the road.
Recent Examples on the Web
The moon triggers Saturn and Mars presents obstacles.
—USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
Her lack of funds presented an obstacle again, but another fortunate coincidence proved Burnett was meant for stardom.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is an irreverent show-business satire about a trio of teenage runaways who form a band called the Lovedolls and hit it big, navigating their way around sleazy would-be managers, a rival girl gang and other obstacles.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2024
Additionally, joining support groups or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can offer perspective and encouragement from those who have navigated similar obstacles.
—King Holder, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024
With various plants, small animals and easy-to-trip-on obstacles, forest floors usually have a few surprises.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024
When an obstacle blocks one pattern, the transmitter adjusts to send data using another pattern to keep the communications link intact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2024
Wind your way around the spiral track over obstacle bridges, through waterfall tunnels, past signal bells, and down the mountain into the mine.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024
Amidst obstacles, familial and community support allowed Nubi to experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024
USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
Her lack of funds presented an obstacle again, but another fortunate coincidence proved Burnett was meant for stardom.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
The story is an irreverent show-business satire about a trio of teenage runaways who form a band called the Lovedolls and hit it big, navigating their way around sleazy would-be managers, a rival girl gang and other obstacles.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2024
Additionally, joining support groups or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can offer perspective and encouragement from those who have navigated similar obstacles.
—King Holder, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024
With various plants, small animals and easy-to-trip-on obstacles, forest floors usually have a few surprises.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024
When an obstacle blocks one pattern, the transmitter adjusts to send data using another pattern to keep the communications link intact.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2024
Wind your way around the spiral track over obstacle bridges, through waterfall tunnels, past signal bells, and down the mountain into the mine.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024
Amidst obstacles, familial and community support allowed Nubi to experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obstacle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obstacle
noun
ob·sta·cle
ˈäb-sti-kəl
: something that stands in the way of progress or achievement : hindrance
drove around the obstacles in the road
didn't let shortness be an obstacle to a basketball career
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share