# obstructive

/əbˈstɹəktɪv/ (US) · /ɒbstɹˈʌktɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obstructive
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.