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
Despite the obstacles, many countries have committed to mediator roles.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Many inferior systems don't provide enough illumination to enable a driver going 55 mph on a straight road to stop in time after spotting an obstacle in the vehicle’s path.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of this unique election is the persistence of Trump's campaign, despite the former president facing numerous legal obstacles while campaigning for the White House.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The path to generational wealth faces serious obstacles.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstacle 
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Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Many inferior systems don't provide enough illumination to enable a driver going 55 mph on a straight road to stop in time after spotting an obstacle in the vehicle’s path.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of this unique election is the persistence of Trump's campaign, despite the former president facing numerous legal obstacles while campaigning for the White House.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The path to generational wealth faces serious obstacles.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obstacle
Dictionary Entries Near obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 23 Nov. 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
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