obstacle

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

obs·tacle [obstacle obstacles] BrE [ˈɒbstəkl] NAmE [ˈɑːbstəkl] noun
1. ~ (to sth/to doing sth) a situation, an event, etc. that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve sth
Syn: ↑hindrance
•A lack of qualifications can be a major obstacle to finding a job.
•So far, we have managed to overcome all the obstacles that have been placed in our path.
•The MP claims that there is now no obstacle to him standing at the next general election.
2. an object that is in your way and that makes it difficult for you to move forward
•The area was full of streams and bogs and other natural obstacles.
3. (in ↑showjumping)a fence, etc. for a horse to jump over

Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin obstaculum, from obstare ‘impede’, from ob- ‘against’ + stare ‘stand’.

Thesaurus:
obstacle noun C
•We overcame all obstacles put in our path.
barrier • • hurdle • • handicap • • hindrance • |formal impediment • |especially journalism stumbling block • |AmE, especially journalism roadblock •
a/an obstacle/barrier/handicap/hindrance/impediment/stumbling block to sb/sth
a major obstacle/barrier/hurdle/handicap/hindrance/impediment/stumbing block/roadblock
remove a/an obstacle/barrier/impediment/stumbling block/roadblock
overcome a/an obstacle/barrier/hurdle/handicap
Obstacle or barrier? A barrier makes sth impossible to do or achieve; an obstacle makes sth difficult but not impossible.

Example Bank:
•Lack of childcare provision can be a major obstacle for women wishing to work.
•Lack of money has proved an almost insurmountable obstacle.
•The attitude of the unions is a serious obstacle.
•The huge distances involved have proved an obstacle to communication between villages.
•The release of prisoners remains an obstacle in the path of a peace agreement.
•the joy of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles
•He managed with difficulty to negotiate the obstacles strewn across the floor.
•So far, we have managed to overcome all the obstacles placed in our path.
•This huge open ditch forms the biggest obstacle on the course.