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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 There’s a significant stumbling block to that reunion. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stumbling block

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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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