stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Synonyms of stumbling block

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment

Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence

Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project.

My plans hit a stumbling block.

Recent Examples on the Web

Forest are also still keen on Lucas Bergvall, the Swedish international, although Tottenham’s valuation of the midfielder could be a stumbling block, with the London club having already rejected one bid. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

DeepMind’s journey This isn’t the first time Google has hit a stumbling block on its AI journey. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Given that the Touch Bar is no more, this stumbling block was never satisfactorily overcome. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Some believe that amending the bill to include Iran, which has been embroiled in a war with the United States since February, could add a stumbling block to the bill’s path forward to a vote in the House of Representatives. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stumbling block

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to belief or understanding

2

: an obstacle to progress