language barrier

American  

[lang-gwij bar-ee-er] / ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ ˌbær i ər /

noun

1. difficulty in communicating due to the lack of a shared language.

   International adoption is not easy, especially when there is a language barrier.

---

Etymology

Origin of language barrier

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Wright told jurors: "It's a matter for you to consider... whether this was a product of distress on his part, a language barrier, or an unintended indication of his attitude towards Miguel."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

"Cultures are different, not to mention the language barrier," the mayor said, urging "mutual support and consideration".

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Historically, some U.S. listeners have struggled to embrace K-pop because of the language barrier, or found the genre’s melodic digressions and stop-start rhythms jarring, as if three songs are crammed into one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

Yin expects the advantage could eventually shift global patterns of scientific productivity toward regions that have been held back by the language barrier.

From Science Daily • Dec. 24, 2025

Blanca tried to disabuse him of his error, explaining that neither she nor her work contained a drop of Indian blood, but the language barrier prevented him from understanding her point of view.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende