language barrier

noun

: a difficulty for people communicating because they speak different languages

Examples of language barrier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, Iryna’s closest Ukrainian relatives have largely avoided the media since her death, due perhaps in part to a language barrier, but mainly because this combination of fresh horror and grief is too intense. Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025 One of the biggest challenges of international travel has long been the language barrier. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025 Though there is still a language barrier between them and the other members in the group, Kenny says there are now resources that enable them to communicate with each other. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Chernyak, who came to the US last August, was arrested in January and charged with battery with bodily harm over what his common-law wife Oksana Tarasiuk told CNN was a misunderstanding exacerbated by a language barrier with police officers. Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for language barrier

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Language barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language%20barrier. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!