obstacle

[ob-stuh-kuhl]

noun

1. something that obstructs or hinders progress.

   Antonyms: help

obstacle

/ ˈɒbstəkəl /

noun

1. a person or thing that opposes or hinders something

2. a fence or hedge used in showjumping

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle¹

C14: via Old French from Latin obstāculum, from obstāre, from ob- against + stāre to stand

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The biggest obstacle, however, to a spectacular night of meteor gazing is cloud.

From BBC

Senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said the group's negotiators were working to remove "all obstacles to an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people".

From BBC

Wind belt countries like the UK face tougher obstacles, however.

From BBC

One obstacle is that designers haven’t been able to replicate the very crucial human sense of touch or operate with human-like dexterity.

From Los Angeles Times

“But there are too many obstacles and this will have ramifications for the cost and quality of healthcare.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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