Obstacle Meaning

UK /ˈɒbstəkəl/
US /ˈɑːbstəkəl/
Word Definition
obstacle meaning

Obstacle Definition & Usage

noun

A physical or metaphorical barrier that prevents progress or achievement.

Examples

  • "The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking trail, forcing them to find a detour."
  • "Lack of funding is a major obstacle to starting the new business."
  • "She overcame the obstacles in her life with sheer determination."
  • "The language barrier was an obstacle to effective communication during the international conference."
  • "His fear of failure became an obstacle to his personal growth."

Cultural Context

The word 'obstacle' has roots in both physical challenges (like roadblocks) and non-physical challenges (like mental or emotional barriers). It is often used in contexts that relate to personal achievement, sports, business, or even societal struggles.

The Hurdles We Cross

Story

The Hurdles We Cross

A young woman named Maya stood at the base of a rocky mountain path, her hiking boots gripping the rough soil beneath her feet. The day was bright, and the sky above her was a brilliant blue. She had been looking forward to this trek for weeks, eager to reach the summit and experience the breathtaking view from the top. But as she rounded a bend in the path, she came face to face with an obstacle: a massive boulder blocking her way. Maya sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. The rock was too big to move, and there was no way around it. She could feel frustration creeping in, but she pushed it aside. This was a challenge, not a setback. She had faced obstacles before, both in her personal life and on the trail, and each time she had found a way to keep going. She scanned the area for another way forward. Her eyes fell on a narrow ledge to the side of the boulder. It looked dangerous, but it was the only option. With a deep breath, Maya began to climb. Her hands and legs were steady as she navigated the difficult terrain. The physical strain was intense, but she welcomed it. This was what she loved—pushing herself beyond her limits. Halfway up, her mind wandered to other obstacles in her life. Growing up, she had faced plenty: moving to a new country, learning a new language, and overcoming self-doubt. But with each obstacle, she had grown stronger. She had learned to adapt, to think creatively, and to keep moving forward. As she reached the top of the ledge and pulled herself onto solid ground, Maya felt a wave of pride. The boulder had been a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. She had crossed it, just as she had crossed so many hurdles in her life. Looking ahead, the path to the summit was clear once more. Maya smiled, knowing that the next obstacle, whatever it might be, was just another step on the journey.

The Hurdles We Cross