stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Example Sentences

Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project. My plans hit a stumbling block.
Recent Examples on the Web But the process has hit a stumbling block. Joel Mathis, The Week, 26 Jan. 2023 For Goldman in particular, our columnist Telis Demos also points to the bank's still-evolving asset management business as another stumbling block. Heard Editors, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2023 That would leave one stumbling block. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2021 Return to menu The sourcing of battery materials is another potential stumbling block. Timothy Puko, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2023 At nearly $18,000 to start for its front-wheel-drive two-seater tadpole design (that's two front wheels, one rear), affordability remains a stumbling block, but the FUV does a good job on the goals side. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 6 Feb. 2023 Manchin isn't the only stumbling block. Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2021 Her name had felt like a stumbling block in the past. Marian Chia-ming Liu, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2023 For as long as the Constitution has stood as a stumbling block to them, would-be tyrants have been searching for creative end runs around it. Nate Hochman, National Review, 14 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stumbling block.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stumbling block was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near stumbling block

Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun
stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- How to pronounce stumbling block (audio)
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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