impediment
n.something that makes it difficult for a person to do something or for a process to move forward. It is like a barrier or a block that slows you down.
n.a hindrance or obstruction in doing something; a physical or abstract barrier to progress. Often used in the context of speech to describe a physical condition that makes speaking clearly difficult.
“The heavy rain was a major impediment to our travel plans.”
“The lack of funding proved to be a serious impediment to the research team's ability to finish the study on time.”
“While the legal framework was intended to promote growth, the sheer volume of bureaucratic red tape acted as a significant impediment to foreign investment in the region.”
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
“Joe is less singer than signer, a BSL speaker whose disability has been no impediment to his love of music.”
“The Trump administration, however, has sought to paint Canada’s demands as the impediment in this week’s tariff negotiations.”
From Middle English impediment, borrowed from Latin impedimentum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.