obstacle course

noun

: a military training course filled with obstacles (such as hurdles, fences, walls, and ditches) that must be negotiated

broadly : a series of obstacles that must be overcome

Examples of obstacle course in a Sentence

We finally made it through the bureaucratic obstacle course and got our visas.

Recent Examples on the Web

What was meant to curb unnecessary tests and care has metastasized into a back-and-forth obstacle course of paperwork that can stall necessary treatment, ratcheting up stress and driving up costs. —Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 25 Sep. 2025

What makes this one so special is the way the film transforms this giant boat — a modern marvel of engineering — into a terrifying, deadly obstacle course. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025

The Zone features inflatables, ultimate bungee, an obstacle course and other activities for the youngsters. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025

Simply line up the shapes on the end of each beam to put together for an obstacle course or indoor play. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for obstacle course

• bourse
• coarse
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse
• source
• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce