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Synonyms

stumbling block

American  

noun

  1. an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding.

    Synonyms:
    bar, block, impediment, barrier, hurdle
stumbling block British  

noun

  1. any impediment or obstacle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
stumbling block Idioms  

  1. A hindrance or obstacle, as in His lack of a degree is a real stumbling block to his advancement. This term originally meant “a tree stump over which one trips.” Its figurative use dates from the early 1500s.

Etymology

Origin of stumbling block

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, it is understood Dyche would seek a minimum 18-month contract if he was to replace Tudor, which could prove a stumbling block towards any agreement.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Soho House’s plan to go private hit a last-minute stumbling block this week, after a lead investor said it couldn’t meet its financial commitment by the expected closing date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The AA said drivers "frequently tell us that the upfront costs of new EVs are a stumbling block to making the switch to electric".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

The stumbling block was Lloyd’s of London, the world’s largest insurance marketplace, which Neal helmed for more than six years before stepping down as CEO in January, the people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

The writer had hit a stumbling block, that’s all.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.