a fundamental obstacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental obstacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant barrier or challenge that hinders progress or achievement in a particular context. Example: "The lack of funding has become a fundamental obstacle to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"More and more economists recognise – what we've always known – that wage depression is a fundamental obstacle to sustainable growth in our economy.

The Guardian

Though Argentina and the International Monetary Fund are once again discussing new loans to help ease the country's economic crisis, a fundamental obstacle has emerged.

The New York Times

Mr. Baz will have to overcome a fundamental obstacle, said Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat professor of peace and development at the University of Maryland.

The New York Times

The slim post-midnight pickings may be a fundamental obstacle to it becoming a city break destination proper, but this does have its perks.

The Guardian - Travel

A fundamental obstacle stems from the fact that no other known language has close enough kinship to Etruscan to allow a reliable, comprehensive, and conclusive comparison.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The speech by Mr. Giuliani reflected a decision — other campaigns suggested "gamble" might be a better word — to address head-on a fundamental obstacle to his winning the nomination: his long history as a moderate Northeast Republican in a party increasingly dominated by Southern and Midwestern conservatives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He admitted that hopes of peace in the Middle East were "disintegrating", but blamed "those who cannot see that terrorism is not the route to a solution, but a malign fundamental obstacle to it".

The Guardian

But I think it is certainly difficult to see most of the 91 Conservative members [who rebelled over Lords reform], and a good many of those who spoke on the Labour benches against the bill on Monday and Tuesday last week, shifting their ground on what for many of them is a really fundamental obstacle.

The Guardian

The inevitable development of multidrug resistant cancer cells during the course of treatment is a major fundamental obstacle associated with cancer care.

Plosone

Mr. Nishi, a former director of research at Texas Instruments, said he did not see any fundamental obstacles to manufacturing the chip that I.B.M. would not be able to overcome.

The New York Times

This attitude, fostered by several influential Palestinian leaders, remains the most fundamental obstacle to achieving a reasonable peace agreement with Israel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental obstacle", ensure it truly represents a foundational issue, not merely a superficial problem. This highlights the depth and significance of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental obstacle" when a simpler term like "difficulty" or "challenge" suffices. Overusing strong language can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental obstacle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. It identifies a significant barrier or impediment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing substantial challenges.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fundamental obstacle" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant impediment or barrier. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. While grammatically correct and versatile, it is most frequently found in science and news media contexts. Related phrases include "a key barrier" and "a major impediment", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings. It's crucial to reserve this phrase for challenges of considerable depth, avoiding its overuse for minor issues to maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key barrier

Replaces 'fundamental obstacle' with a more straightforward term for a significant impediment.

a major impediment

Substitutes 'fundamental obstacle' with a term emphasizing the hindering effect of the barrier.

a primary challenge

Focuses on the difficulty presented rather than the obstruction itself.

a critical stumbling block

Highlights the potential for failure or error due to the obstacle.

a central difficulty

Emphasizes the core problem that needs to be addressed.

a core hindrance

Indicates something that restrains or prevents progress.

a basic constraint

Highlights the limiting nature of the obstacle.

a principal limitation

Focuses on the restrictions imposed by the obstacle.

a significant hurdle

Indicates an obstacle that requires effort to overcome.

a substantial roadblock

Emphasizes the obstructive nature, suggesting progress is halted.

FAQs

How can I use "a fundamental obstacle" in a sentence?

You can use "a fundamental obstacle" to describe a significant barrier hindering progress. For example, "Lack of funding is "a fundamental obstacle" to the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental obstacle"?

Alternatives include "a key barrier", "a major impediment", or "a primary challenge", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a fundamental obstacle" versus "a simple challenge"?

"A fundamental obstacle" implies a deep-rooted, significant problem, while "a simple challenge" suggests something easier to overcome. Choose based on the actual severity of the issue.

Is it redundant to say "major fundamental obstacle"?

Yes, using both "major" and "fundamental" can be redundant as "fundamental" already implies significance. It's best to stick with just ""a fundamental obstacle"" for clarity.