Word
roadblock
Phoneticsroad·block, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹoʊdˌbɫɑk/
UK/ɹˈəʊdblɒk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that stops you from making progress. It can be a physical barrier on a road or a problem that prevents a plan from moving forward.
n. a physical barrier placed across a road to stop traffic; figuratively, any obstacle that prevents progress or the completion of a task.
Examples
“The police set up a roadblock to check for licenses.”
“The project hit a major roadblock when the main investor decided to pull out at the last minute.”
“While the initial proposal was sound, bureaucratic roadblocks within the local government delayed the construction of the new community center for several years.”
Examples
simple
“The police set up a roadblock to check for licenses.”
contextual
“The project hit a major roadblock when the main investor decided to pull out at the last minute.”
complex
“While the initial proposal was sound, bureaucratic roadblocks within the local government delayed the construction of the new community center for several years.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'hit', 'encounter', or 'remove' in a figurative sense.
Real-World Examples
“Other high-profile cases that Marshall pursued at the same time hit similar roadblocks.” “These new roadblocks can determine whether students finish degrees, or remain with their partners and children.” Etymology
From road + block.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/roadblock