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

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, which has continued despite a recent renewal of their ceasefire agreement, is a key obstacle to the US and Iran reaching a final peace deal. —Deva Lee, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Teacher Pritul Patel said the school's culture embraces students' differences rather than treating them as obstacles. —Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 22 June 2026

Using onboard perception and navigation technologies, ANYmal autonomously follows inspection routes, climbs stairways, avoids obstacles, and reaches locations that would otherwise require time-consuming manual checks. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

Iran defying obstacles at the World Cup Iran’s Hossein Kanani applauds fans after a 0-0 draw against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday. —David Hickey, NBC news, 22 June 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