Word
impediment
Phoneticsim·ped·i·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɛdəmənt/
UK/ɪmpˈɛdɪmənt/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy rain was a major impediment to our travel plans.”
contextual
“The lack of funding proved to be a serious impediment to the research team's ability to finish the study on time.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Middle English impediment, borrowed from Latin impedimentum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/impediment