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

Through their analysis, the study authors show that even the most popular quantum algorithms face serious obstacles when trying to compute the lowest energy state of molecules—a fundamental quantity needed to understand chemical reactions. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

Key obstacles include the future disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas that are still occupied. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026

The administration has been systematically dismantling the EPA’s enforcement capabilities and sees California’s autonomy as an obstacle to eliminating carbon-reduction policies and electric/hybrid vehicle quotas. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026

Offshore distance becomes an obstacle. —Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 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