obstacle
OBS-tuh-kuhl
Obstacle (noun) means something that blocks progress or makes it harder to move forward, whether physical or figurative. Example: “A fallen tree was the only obstacle on the trail.”
noun
1
Something that blocks progress or makes it harder to move forward, whether physical or figurative.
"A fallen tree was the only obstacle on the trail."
"Lack of funding was the biggest obstacle to finishing the project."
"The high wall was an obstacle we had to find a way around."
How to use obstacle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything standing in the way of progress.
Common pairings
overcome an obstacle
obstacle course
a major obstacle
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Word forms
- Plural
- obstacles
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A fallen tree was the only _____ on the trail.
Etymology
From Old French obstacle, from Latin obstaculum, related to obstare, "to stand in the way".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for obstacle
See all rhymes for obstacle →Frequently asked questions
What does “obstacle” mean?
The word “obstacle” means something that blocks progress or makes it harder to move forward, whether physical or figurative. In plain terms, anything standing in the way of progress.
How do you pronounce “obstacle”?
“Obstacle” is pronounced OBS-tuh-kuhl (/ˈɑbstəkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “obstacle” in a sentence?
Here is “obstacle” used in a sentence: “A fallen tree was the only obstacle on the trail.”
What part of speech is “obstacle”?
“Obstacle” is a noun.
Where does the word “obstacle” come from?
The word “obstacle” comes from Latin. From Old French obstacle, from Latin obstaculum, related to obstare, "to stand in the way".
Is “obstacle” a common word?
“Obstacle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an obstacle and an obstruction?
An obstacle is anything, physical or figurative, that blocks progress or makes it harder to move forward, such as a difficult exam or a fallen tree. An obstruction usually refers more specifically to a physical object or blockage that literally gets in the way, such as debris blocking a road.
What is the difference between an obstacle and a challenge?
An obstacle is something that blocks or hinders progress, while a challenge is a task or situation that tests someone's abilities and may or may not involve a blockage. A challenge can be sought out deliberately, whereas an obstacle is usually seen as an unwanted hindrance to overcome.
What does it mean to overcome an obstacle?
To overcome an obstacle means to successfully deal with or get past something that was blocking progress, whether it is a physical barrier or a figurative difficulty. The phrase is common in discussions of personal achievement, sports, and problem-solving.
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