stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Synonyms

• balk
• bar
• block
• chain
• clog
• cramp
• crimp
• deterrent
• drag
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• fetter
• handicap
• hindrance
• holdback
• hurdle
• impediment
• inhibition
• interference
• let
• manacle
• obstacle
• obstruction
• shackles
• stop
• trammel

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to belief or understanding

2

: an obstacle to progress