# roadblock

/ˈɹoʊdˌbɫɑk/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊdblɒk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/roadblock
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'hit', 'encounter', or 'remove' in a figurative sense.

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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.