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.

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Etymology

Origin of language barrier

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Richards believes the language barrier, which once sent her to Korea, will become less of an issue the more people embrace it.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 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