stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity
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
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an equally impressive day, completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Dallas’ defense proved to be its stumbling block again.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
This confrontation between the local and the global, in terms that resonate with the thinking of Homi K. Bhabha, was the crux of the biennial—and long remained the stumbling block to any significant change in the relationships that governed the world.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
That’s the biggest stumbling block to processing what’s really happening right now.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
This confrontation between the local and the global, in terms that resonate with the thinking of Homi K. Bhabha, was the crux of the biennial—and long remained the stumbling block to any significant change in the relationships that governed the world.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
That’s the biggest stumbling block to processing what’s really happening right now.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
Without proper infrastructure, even the most advanced technology can become a stumbling block rather than a solution.
—Theresa McDonnell, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ-
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
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