impediment

noun

im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈpe-də-mənt 

1

: something that impedes

especially : an impairment (such as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speech

2

: something that prevents or interferes with a process, power, or right

an impediment to execution of a judgment

specifically : a bar or hindrance (such as lack of sufficient age) to a lawful marriage

Did you know?

Impediment comes from a Latin verb that meant "to interfere with" or "to get in the way of progress", as if by tripping up the feet of someone walking. In English, impediment still suggests an obstruction or obstacle along a path; for example, a lack of adequate roads and bridges would be called an impediment to economic development. Impediments usually get in the way of something we want. So we may speak of an impediment to communication, marriage, or progress--but something that slows the progress of aging, disease, or decay is rarely called an impediment.

Synonyms of impediment

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• barrier

Examples of impediment in a Sentence

tough going for the burros on the canyon trail, even without the added impediment of heavy loads

Recent Examples on the Web

Stuck in the desert somewhere just south of the American border, Zendaya’s desperate, unreasonably chipper addict is trying to get a duffel bag filled with who knows what from Chihuahua back to California, but her off-road route is filled with impediments. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026

In my view, religion has always been and continues to be an impediment to the progress of human civilization and totally not essential for our future success. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026

There is no problem in America that will be solved by fewer impediments to mob rule. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026

Technology that initially seemed like an asset may in fact be an impediment. —Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing impediment

• speech impediment

Rhymes for impediment

• pediment
• sediment

Kids Definition

impediment

noun

im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈped-ə-mənt 

1

: something that impedes

2

: a defect in speech

Medical Definition

impediment

noun

im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈped-ə-mənt 

: something that impedes

children with deafness or hearing impediments

especially : an impairment (as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speech

Legal Definition

impediment

noun

im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈpe-də-mənt 

: something that prevents or interferes with a process, power, or right

should have known of the legal impediments to the execution of any judgment against the police jury

—Penalber v. Blount, 550 So. 2d 577 (1989)

specifically : a bar to the formation of a valid contract or marriage compare nullity