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language barrier

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

noun

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

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


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

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

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

Each character seems to understand the others dimly, as through a language barrier; each vibrates at their own frequency.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

“Her condition, the trek, the language barrier, being separated from her...husband.”

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

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