obstacle
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɑbstəkəɫ// UK //ˈɒbstəkəl// ob·sta·cle
n. something that blocks your path or makes it difficult for you to reach a goal.
n. a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress. Often used metaphorically to describe social or psychological barriers.
The fallen tree was a major obstacle on the road.
Lack of funding proved to be the biggest obstacle to starting the new community garden.
The legal team worked tirelessly to overcome every bureaucratic obstacle that the opposing counsel placed in their path during the merger negotiations.
From Middle English obstacle, from Old French obstacle, from Latin obstāculum.
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'overcome', 'encounter', or 'remove'.