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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

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

We might have been able to move past the language barrier if Mr. Hernández and Ms. Aikens conveyed the powerful emotion of their words with the requisite ardency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

He picked up some Spanish from Latino teammates in Japan that he uses to help bridge the language barrier.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

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

Even though he couldn’t speak Portuguese, the former president’s gregarious nature broke through the language barrier.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

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