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

"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

Not only was there a language barrier between him and his new club, but the rookie also built walls around his personality.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2025

In my experience, the schools never called my parents to discuss me, probably because of the language barrier.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana