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

There is another potential stumbling block for the bill.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“Corruption is a major obstacle and a stumbling block in the advancement of the party and the nation’s causes,” Xi said this week at a conclave of the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 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 two circuit's different formats had reportedly been a key stumbling block in ongoing negotiations.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 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