obstacle

noun

ob·​sta·​cle ˈäb-sti-kəl 

-ˌsti-

: something that impedes progress or achievement

swerved to avoid an obstacle in the road

Lack of experience proved to be an obstacle in her job search.

… elders … often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles.

—Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-Field

Synonyms of obstacle

• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• barrier

Examples 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysts say the shift could reshape Africa’s automotive industry by creating jobs, developing local supply chains and accelerating adoption of electric vehicles, although weak infrastructure and policy uncertainty remain significant obstacles. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Despite acknowledging mistakes were made, FIFA is still facing a barrage of obstacles that are preventing it and Infantino from moving on from the saga. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

The impasse leaves Washington treating its naval presence as a permanent fixture guaranteeing access, while Tehran treats that same presence as the primary obstacle to normalizing traffic. — Chloe Taylor,anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

Those sensors help the system navigate the airspace and avoid obstacles near the delivery area. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin obstaculum, from obstare to stand in front of, from ob- in the way + stare to stand — more at ob-, stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obstacle

• obstacle course
• obstacle race

Kids 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