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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

impediment

ihm-PEH-dih-muhnt

Impediment (noun) means something that blocks or slows progress. Example: “Lack of funding was the biggest impediment to the project.”

noun
1
Something that blocks or slows progress.
"Lack of funding was the biggest impediment to the project."
2
A condition that affects speech or hearing.
"He worked with a therapist to overcome his speech impediment."

How to use impediment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn obstacle — something in the way of progress, or a specific difficulty with speech or hearing.

Common pairings
speech impediment legal impediment major impediment

Word forms

impediments plural

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Lack of funding was the biggest _____ to the project.

Etymology

From Latin impedimentum, related to impede.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for impediment

See all rhymes for impediment →

Frequently asked questions

What does “impediment” mean?

The word “impediment” means something that blocks or slows progress. In plain terms, an obstacle — something in the way of progress, or a specific difficulty with speech or hearing.

How do you pronounce “impediment”?

“Impediment” is pronounced ihm-PEH-dih-muhnt (/ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “impediment” in a sentence?

Here is “impediment” used in a sentence: “Lack of funding was the biggest impediment to the project.”

What is another word for “impediment”?

Words with a similar meaning to “impediment” include hindrance, obstruction and obstacle.

What part of speech is “impediment”?

“Impediment” is a noun.

Where does the word “impediment” come from?

The word “impediment” comes from Latin. From Latin impedimentum, related to impede.

Is “impediment” a common word?

“Impediment” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “impediment” have?

“Impediment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that blocks or slows progress.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial