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-FieldExamples 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.
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Despite these obstacles, female founders demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.
—Illia Ponomarenko, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
As dynamic as Baylor’s duo was, another big obstacle for the Horned Frogs in the second half was themselves as TCU’s offense struggled to knock down shots until the final five minutes of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
Among her many obstacles in Season 1, now available to stream on Netflix, is the problematic point guard Travis.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
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Geri Stengel, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump, much like Putin, sees Ukraine as an inconvenience, an obstacle, something that should be grateful to even have a seat at the table.
—Illia Ponomarenko, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
As dynamic as Baylor’s duo was, another big obstacle for the Horned Frogs in the second half was themselves as TCU’s offense struggled to knock down shots until the final five minutes of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
Among her many obstacles in Season 1, now available to stream on Netflix, is the problematic point guard Travis.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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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