obstacle

American  

[ob-stuh-kuhl] / ˈɒb stə kəl /

noun

1. something that obstructs or hinders progress.

   Antonyms:

   help

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obstacle British  

/ ˈɒbstəkəl /

noun

1. a person or thing that opposes or hinders something

2. a fence or hedge used in showjumping

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Related Words

Obstacle, obstruction, hindrance, impediment refer to something that interferes with or prevents action or progress. An obstacle is something, material or nonmaterial, that stands in the way of literal or figurative progress: Lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement. An obstruction is something that more or less completely blocks a passage: A blood clot is an obstruction to the circulation. A hindrance keeps back by interfering and delaying: Interruptions are a hindrance to one's work. An impediment interferes with proper functioning: an impediment in one's speech.

Etymology

Origin of obstacle

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin obstāculum, equivalent to obstā(re) “to face, block, hinder” ( ob- ob- + stāre stand ) + -culum -cle ²

Explanation

When the road is blocked ahead of you, that blockage is an obstacle that keeps you from getting where you want to go. The Latin word that is the source of the word obstacle combines parts that mean "to stand in the way of," so an obstacle is something that stands against what you want to do. In a dramatic piece, the obstacle is the person or thing that keeps a character from achieving his or her goal. This creates the conflict in a play: since conflict is what drama is all about, the obstacle is the source of all drama.

Example Sentences

When public utilities indefinitely cut power to the Portuguese Bend community in Rancho Palos Verdes last year following months of devastating landslide movement, most residents saw it as the neighborhood’s latest obstacle.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

These findings highlight that disease was not just an obstacle for early humans but a key force shaping the course of human evolution.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

The last major obstacle to Kevin Warsh’s confirmation as Federal Reserve chair has been removed, with holdout Sen. Thom Tillis ending his threat to block it.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“And it’s a direct obstacle to growth, to fairness, to opportunities, and to the long-term success of projects like this one.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Then we played some game where we had to wrap ourselves in strips of crepe paper like Joseph’s coat of many colors and race around an obstacle course.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

Related Words

• barrier
• difficulty
• disincentive
• hardship
• hindrance
• hitch
• hurdle
• impediment
• interference
• obstruction
• restriction
• snag
• stumbling block