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 nano-container challenge The concept is promising, but sensitivity remains a major obstacle. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

But there are multiple obstacles to pivoting the US potash supply, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s doubts about a deal. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

No two knee injuries are the same, of course, and Seguin faced an obstacle that Mahomes apparently didn’t have to deal with. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Physical obstacles to a physics breakthrough Another aspect of Bobrick and his colleagues' work involves the identification of some of the greatest remaining physical obstacles to superluminal warp travel. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 23 Sep. 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