An Encylopedia Britannica Company

June 09, 2017 Word of the Day

obstacle /ˈɑːbstɪkəl/ noun
obstacle
/ˈɑːbstɪkəl/
noun

plural obstacles

There is an obstacle in the road.
There is an obstacle in the road.
Definition of OBSTACLE

[count]

1 : something that makes it difficult to do something

  • He overcame the obstacles of poverty and neglect.

  • They must overcome a number of obstacles before the restaurant can be opened.

  • Lack of experience is a major obstacle for her opponent.

  • an obstacle to learning/progress

2 : an object that you have to go around or over : something that blocks your path

  • She swerved to avoid an obstacle in the road.

More Words of the Day