hurdles
n. · v.-
1 problems or obstacles (n.) B2 Upper Intermediateproblems or difficulties that you must deal with before you can achieve something.
metaphorical obstacles or difficulties that impede progress toward a specific objective.
ExampleThe young entrepreneur faced many financial hurdles before her business became successful.
ExampleThe legal team worked tirelessly to clear the remaining regulatory hurdles that were preventing the merger from being finalised by the end of the quarter.
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2 the sport (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sporta race in which runners or horses must jump over barriers.
a track-and-field event or horse race involving the jumping of regularly spaced barriers.
ExampleShe trained every morning to improve her speed in the 100-metre hurdles.
ExampleThe athlete's technique in the hurdles was flawless, maintaining a low center of gravity while clearing each barrier with minimal loss of momentum.
- hurdling
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3 physical barriers (n.) B1 Intermediate Sportthe actual frames or fences that people jump over in a race.
the physical frames or obstacles used in athletics or equestrian events.
ExampleThe ground crew set up the hurdles on the track before the competition started.
ExampleThe stadium staff carefully measured the distance between the hurdles to ensure the track met international competition standards.
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4 jumps over (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto jump over something while running.
to leap over an obstacle while in motion; often used figuratively to mean bypassing a problem.
ExampleThe horse hurdles the fence easily and continues running toward the finish line.
ExampleIn his latest policy proposal, the minister hurdles the traditional objections of his critics by offering a compromise on tax reform.
UsageThe third-person singular form of the verb 'hurdle'.
Last updated June 20, 2026