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 Spurs are young, hungry and are showing no signs of inexperience being an obstacle in their pursuit of a title. —Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 May 2026

This guide shows how to overcome those obstacles and avoid losing your benefits. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026

Control over the Donbas region remains a major obstacle to negotiating an end to the war as the Russian economy continues to suffer under wartime conditions. —Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026

These obstacles seemed insurmountable, but the group pushed on for over three years. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 May 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