stumbling block

stum·bling block

noun \ˈstəm-bliŋ-\

Definition of STUMBLING BLOCK

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Examples of STUMBLING BLOCK

1. Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project.
2. My plans hit a stumbling block.

First Known Use of STUMBLING BLOCK

1588

Related to STUMBLING BLOCK

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

Related Words: catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms: catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

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Rhymes with STUMBLING BLOCK

acid rock, aftershock, alarm clock, alpenstock, antilock, Antioch, Arawak, banjo clock, billycock, building block, butcher-block, chockablock, chopping block, cinder block, clean one's clock, common stock, country rock, cuckoo clock, culture shock, floating dock, four-o'clock, future shock, glitter rock, hammerlock, hollyhock, Holy Loch, interlock, in the dock, John Hancock, kill the clock, lady's-smock, Languedoc, laughingstock, Little Rock, manioc, monadnock, on the block, out of stock, penny stock, phosphate rock, pillow block, poppycock, preferred stock, Ragnarok, rolling stock, septic shock, starting block, shuttlecock, spatterdock, sticker shock, summer stock, superblock, tracking stock, treasury stock, turkey-cock, vapor lock, water clock, weathercock, writer's block