obstacle
noun
ob·sta·cle
ˈäb-sti-kəl 
-ˌsti-
: something that impedes progress or achievement
Mosquitoes were a great obstacle to the building of the Panama Canal.
… elders … often facing daily medical, social, and psychological obstacles.—
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-Field
Vicki Bloom and B. B. Green-FieldExamples 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
Social pressure and human nature are natural obstacles to expressing dissent in our everyday lives.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The people who have chosen to come, and those who have worked to make this event happen despite the obstacles, have made an extra effort.
—Javier Garcia Del Moral
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
The study offers a roadmap for scientists and industry partners to turn one of bioenergy’s biggest obstacles into a powerful resource for the future.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
In the book, readers hear from many of golf’s biggest names — Tiger’s caddie, his coach, his opponents, his idols, and others, all offering fresh insight into the electrifying highs of his victories and the obstacles on and off the course that threatened his relentless pursuit of perfection.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
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Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The people who have chosen to come, and those who have worked to make this event happen despite the obstacles, have made an extra effort.
—Javier Garcia Del Moral
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
The study offers a roadmap for scientists and industry partners to turn one of bioenergy’s biggest obstacles into a powerful resource for the future.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
In the book, readers hear from many of golf’s biggest names — Tiger’s caddie, his coach, his opponents, his idols, and others, all offering fresh insight into the electrifying highs of his victories and the obstacles on and off the course that threatened his relentless pursuit of perfection.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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