- a situation, an event, etc. that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve something synonym hindrance
- So far, we have managed to overcome all the obstacles that have been placed in our path.
- obstacle to doing something A lack of qualifications can be a major obstacle to finding a job.
- obstacle to somebody doing something The MP claims that there is now no obstacle to him standing at the next general election.
- obstacle to something The huge distances involved have proved an obstacle to communication between villages.
Extra ExamplesTopics Difficulty and failureb2- Lack of money has proved an almost insurmountable obstacle.
- The attitude of the unions is a serious obstacle.
- The release of prisoners remains an obstacle in the path of a peace agreement.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- big
- major
- chief
- …
- be
- become
- constitute
- …
- course
- obstacle for
- obstacle to
- an obstacle in the path (of somebody/something)
- an obstacle in the way (of somebody/something)
- an object that is in your way and that makes it difficult for you to move forward
- The area was full of streams and bogs and other natural obstacles.
- He managed with difficulty to negotiate the obstacles strewn across the floor.
- (in showjumping) a fence, etc. for a horse to jump over
- This huge open ditch forms the biggest obstacle on the course.
Word OriginMiddle English: via Old French from Latin obstaculum, from obstare ‘impede’, from ob- ‘against’ + stare ‘stand’.
Check pronunciation:
obstacle