obstacle — something that blocks your path or prevents progress
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: something that blocks your path or prevents progress
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɑːbstəkl/
Example Sentences
- My mom's cooking is the biggest obstacle to my diet plan.
- Language barrier can be an obstacle in international business.
- His laziness is the only obstacle between him and success.
obstacle
NOUN[/ˈɑːbstəkl/]
something that blocks your path or prevents progress

The obstacle was bigger than expected — but turning back was never an option.

OB — a STACK of obstacles — you must hurdle them all. (OB(stacle) + STACK + LE(ap) → An obstacle is a STACK of things blocking your way — you must LEAP over them)

Every obstacle becomes a spectacle — until the miracle of getting through it.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'obstaculum,' derived from 'obstare' meaning 'to stand against' or 'to block,' formed from 'ob-' (against) and 'stare' (to stand).
Breakdown
ob- (against) + sta- (stand) + -culum (noun suffix indicating means or instrument) = obstacle (something that stands against or blocks)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's cooking is the biggest obstacle to my diet plan.”
“Language barrier can be an obstacle in international business.”
“His laziness is the only obstacle between him and success.”
“The biggest obstacle in online classes? My bed is too comfortable.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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