# obstacle

/ˈɑbstəkəɫ/ (US) · /ˈɒbstəkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obstacle
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

something that blocks your path or makes it difficult for you to reach a goal.

For teachers: a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress. Often used metaphorically to describe social or psychological barriers.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'overcome', 'encounter', or 'remove'.

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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.