stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Synonyms

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• hindrance
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• obstruction
• shackles
• stop
• trammel

Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence

Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project.

My plans hit a stumbling block.

Recent Examples on the Web

While approval-craving Venus in your sign argues with unusual Uranus in your practical 6th house, your desire to be seen as objectively correct might become a stumbling block. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024

Where a Week 5 overtime to loss to Wilde Lake might’ve been the stumbling block that turned the season in years past, the Lions responded with four more wins, closing the season 8-1. —Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2024

There were other stumbling blocks in the negotiations to secure a mutual defense treaty. —Samia Nakhoul and Pesha Magid, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

The mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, assault – in which mass hostage-taking was a centerpiece – he was considered a central stumbling block in winning the hostages’ release. —Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to belief or understanding

2

: an obstacle to progress