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
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
In addition to the giant uncertainty of hemp’s future, there are some serious obstacles for the cannabis industry to get over.
—Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
California voters have approved a slew of multibillion-dollar bonds over the last two decades, some of which have faced long delays from regulatory obstacles that balloon costs.
—Nadia Lathan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Even though young adults are more likely to have a college degree and work full time compared with their parents at this age, with that combo also comes larger student loan balances, which have proved to be a significant obstacle for those starting out.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Like any good quest, there were obstacles to overcome, and in this case, Chinese visas to procure.
—Jake Emen, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
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Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
California voters have approved a slew of multibillion-dollar bonds over the last two decades, some of which have faced long delays from regulatory obstacles that balloon costs.
—Nadia Lathan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Even though young adults are more likely to have a college degree and work full time compared with their parents at this age, with that combo also comes larger student loan balances, which have proved to be a significant obstacle for those starting out.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Like any good quest, there were obstacles to overcome, and in this case, Chinese visas to procure.
—Jake Emen, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obstacle
Cite this Entry
“Obstacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstacle. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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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