stumbling block

American  

noun

1. an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding.

   Synonyms:

   bar, block, impediment, barrier, hurdle

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stumbling block British  

noun

1. any impediment or obstacle

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stumbling block Idioms  

1. A hindrance or obstacle, as in His lack of a degree is a real stumbling block to his advancement. This term originally meant “a tree stump over which one trips.” Its figurative use dates from the early 1500s.

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Etymology

Origin of stumbling block

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

The failure of the Saudi Arabia-financed LIV Golf to secure world ranking points for its events has been a stumbling block since the upstart circuit launched in 2022.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Also, given three of Ireland's six T20s during the home summer of 2025 were lost to the rain, cynics will likely point to weather in western Europe come September as a potential stumbling block too.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Soho House’s plan to go private hit a last-minute stumbling block this week, after a lead investor said it couldn’t meet its financial commitment by the expected closing date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The Duffys regarded the bill's failure as a stumbling block rather than a knockout blow.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

City officials threw up one stumbling block after another to delay implementation of the Court’s intent.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• barrier
• complication
• deterrent
• difficulty
• drawback
• hindrance
• hitch
• hurdle
• impediment
• obstacle
• setback
• snag