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

Noam Galai / Getty Images file An Israeli official said one stumbling block in a potential deal with Sa’ar was opposition from Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 17 Sep. 2024

The KitchenAid Semi Automatic effortlessly navigates that little stumbling block by having wheels on the bottom. —Jaina Grey, WIRED, 8 Apr. 2024

That means clearly communicating what’s happening with this ongoing Fitbit integration, which, to my eye, is the most obvious potential stumbling block outside of its fragile screens. —Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2024

In Pace’s view, however, none of those factors is the main stumbling block on the lunar trajectory. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 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