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

Synonyms

• 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

Long an obstacle to humans seeking to continue down the river, the Falls of the Ohio offer a peek into prehistoric life. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025

Advertisement Political obstacles The electoral dispute highlights Somalia’s ongoing political dilemmas. —Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

However, when Morgan runs into an obstacle in breaking up with him, a moody Joanne tells him to just marry him anyway. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

There are also more obstacles, including buildings and other aircraft, vehicles, and even animals on the runway. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

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