stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity

Synonyms

• 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

The cost of reimbursing these medications has often been cited as a stumbling block. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Gibbs-White signing a new contract with Forest until summer 2028 is a major stumbling block for Tottenham’s attempts to address this issue, too. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 27 July 2025

One potential stumbling block for Ossoff is Mike Collins, one of the current representatives from Georgia, who is behind Ossoff by only 2.5 points, putting him within the margin of error but outside of a statistical tie, such as the case of Raffensperger. —Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

The idea of succession and promoting talent has been a stumbling block for Ghibli, putting the future of the studio beyond Takahata, Miyazaki, and Suzuki into doubt. —Ryan Gaur, IndieWire, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stumbling block

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

Kids Definition

stumbling block

noun

stum·​bling block ˈstəm-bliŋ- 

1

: an obstacle to belief or understanding

2

: an obstacle to progress