stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

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 For companies trying to graduate from building nifty AI prototypes to large-scale, production-ready apps that can move the needle for their business, such visibility and control has proven a stumbling block, according to CEO Harrison Chase. Forbes Daily, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Rivals can't take advantage Some political observers say Trump's indictments haven't been a stumbling block on the campaign trail because his Republican opponents can't take advantage of his sweeping charges. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024 The Los Gatos Town Council hit another stumbling block in finalizing its Housing Element. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024 The stumbling block, which the law does not address, is getting drug companies to release doses of medicines that are still being tested and may be in short supply. Julie Rovner | Kff Health News, ABC News, 16 Jan. 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. Brandon Widder, The Verge, 16 Dec. 2023 Family separations have been a stumbling block in the hostage negotiations. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Nov. 2023 Shear’s public statements may also prove a stumbling block. Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023 The stumbling block, according to officials involved in negotiations, has been setting up an efficient screening system that will satisfy Israeli demands that military support to Hamas isn't allowed to slip through. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stumbling block.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stumbling block was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near stumbling block

Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun
stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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