Word
obstructive
Phoneticsob·struc·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈstɹəktɪv/
UK/ɒbstɹˈʌktɪv/
Definition
adj. causing a blockage or making it difficult for something to move or happen. You use this to describe things that get in the way of a process or a path.
adj. causing an obstruction or hindrance to the free movement or progress of something. Often used in medical contexts to describe physical blockages or in legal contexts to describe actions that prevent a process.
Examples
“The heavy snow was obstructive to the delivery of the mail.”
“The new building is obstructive to the view of the historic park from the main street.”
“The legal team argued that the previous administration's policies were obstructive to the current legislative agenda, effectively stalling the passage of the new environmental protection bill.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy snow was obstructive to the delivery of the mail.”
contextual
“The new building is obstructive to the view of the historic park from the main street.”
complex
“The legal team argued that the previous administration's policies were obstructive to the current legislative agenda, effectively stalling the passage of the new environmental protection bill.”
Real-World Examples
“He said officers had arrested three men, following reports of "intimidating and obstructive conduct" during canvassing in recent weekends, and "conflict between those canvassing and protesters".” “The MoJ says custody officers may still have to tell a judge that it is not safe to restrain violent or obstructive criminals.” Etymology
From obstruct + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/obstructive