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

Cathy Harris is from the Merit Systems Protection Board, which reviews disputes from federal workers and could be a significant stumbling block as the Trump administration seeks to carry out a dramatic downsizing of the workforce. —Lindsay Whitehurst and Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Protecting security and maintaining privacy has been a stumbling block for the IRS’s past attempts to address aging infrastructure. —Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

For modern leaders, ego can be both a motivator and a stumbling block. —Antonis Kocheilas, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The terrain is thick with gatekeepers, barriers and stumbling blocks that make getting any project off the ground a sysphean task. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stumbling block

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to belief or understanding

2

: an obstacle to progress