# hurdle

/ˈhɝdəɫ/ (US) · /hˈɜːdəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hurdle
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. athletic barrier

noun · CEFR B2

one of the frames that runners or horses jump over during a race.

For teachers: a portable frame or barrier used as an obstacle in track and field or equestrian racing.

- The runner tripped on the final hurdle but still managed to finish the race.
- The athlete's technique over the high hurdles was flawless, maintaining a low center of gravity to minimize time spent in the air.

### 2. a problem or obstacle

noun · CEFR B2

a problem or difficulty that you must deal with before you can succeed.

For teachers: a metaphorical obstacle or difficulty that must be addressed or overcome to achieve a goal.

- The biggest hurdle to starting the business was finding enough money.
- Securing the necessary building permits proved to be the final administrative hurdle before construction could officially begin on the new wing.

### 4. to overcome a problem

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to successfully deal with a difficult problem.

For teachers: to successfully surmount or overcome a figurative obstacle.

- The team hurdled every challenge the project threw at them.
- Having hurdled the initial skepticism of the board, the CEO was finally able to implement the restructuring plan.

## Examples

- The high cost of rent is a major hurdle for new businesses.
- Passing the final exam was the last hurdle she had to clear before graduating from the nursing program.
- While the initial funding was secured quickly, the project faced a significant hurdle when local environmental regulations required a complete redesign of the drainage system.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.