An obstacle is something that makes it difficult to move forward or achieve a goal.
The idea
Obstacle is countable: an obstacle, several obstacles. Use an obstacle to a goal and overcome an obstacle for dealing successfully with it.
Examples
- A fallen tree was an obstacle on the path.
- Lack of funding remains a major obstacle to the project.
- The team overcame several obstacles before opening the clinic.
- A steep staircase can be an obstacle for wheelchair users.
- Our biggest obstacle to agreement is a lack of trust.
- Mina found a way around the obstacle by asking a neighbour for help.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not use obstacle as a verb: say overcome an obstacle, not obstacle a problem.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form. The cost is a major ___ to expansion. (obstacle / obstacles)
Show answer or example answer
obstacle
Obstacle is singular after a major.
Choose the correct form. The volunteers ___ an obstacle by finding a new route. (overcame / overcome)
Show answer or example answer
overcame
Overcame places the volunteers’ action in the past.
Choose the correct form. Several ___ delayed the launch. (obstacle / obstacles)
Show answer or example answer
obstacles
Obstacles is plural after several.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form. The cost is a major ___ to expansion. (obstacle / obstacles)
Choose the correct form. The volunteers ___ an obstacle by finding a new route. (overcame / overcome)
Choose the correct form. Several ___ delayed the launch. (obstacle / obstacles)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Describe an obstacle to a goal and explain how someone could get around it.