a severe impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe impediment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or hindrance to progress or success in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or academic situations. Example: "The lack of funding proved to be a severe impediment to the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Luhrmann and Hall are correct in pointing out that managed care is a severe impediment to the application of this integrated approach.

The New York Times - Books

This enables patent "trolls" to extort settlements from companies allegedly violating those patents; this is, in effect, a tax on technology and a severe impediment to actual innovation.

The Guardian - Opinion

While law enforcement officials and governments in disparate jurisdictions once hesitated to work together to combat corporate fraud, graft has come to be seen as such a severe impediment to global economic growth that cooperation is becoming more frequent.

The New York Times

The employer may only dismiss a request if it is a severe impediment to business interest.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

African trypanosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease that is still of great public health relevance, and a severe impediment to agriculture in endemic areas.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Extensive fuel-matrix interactions leading to plate pillowing have caused a severe impediment on the development of a suitable high density low-enriched uranium dispersion fuel for high power applications in research reactors.

Journal of Nuclear Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He has a severe speech impediment, which improved from the attentions of a beloved teacher, Josephine Kennedy.

The New York Times - Sports

She has dealt with the suicide of her father, two years of bulimia and a severe speech impediment.

The New York Times - Sports

Philby's combination of a severe speech impediment and heavy drinking persuaded counterintelligence investigators that he couldn't be a threat to national security.

The Guardian - Film

His "interpreter" is Howard, an affable long-time friend with a severe speech impediment whom he's known since the early 90s.

The Guardian - Film

Because George had a severe speech impediment, the nation – from his family in Sandringham to humble Scottish shepherds in Lowland cottages – willed this sad man, fulfilling a job he never wanted or expected to have, to succeed.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe impediment", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being hindered. Providing specific details about the affected area enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe impediment" if the obstacle is only minor or easily overcome. Using a less emphatic phrase such as "a minor inconvenience" maintains credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe impediment" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something that hinders or obstructs progress significantly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a severe impediment" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote a significant obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral registers. While "a severe impediment" effectively conveys the seriousness of a hindrance, considering related phrases like ""a major obstacle"" or ""a significant hindrance"" can provide nuanced alternatives. When writing, ensure the severity aligns with the context and avoid overstating the obstacle's impact. Its usage is not very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious obstacle

Replaces "severe" with "serious", both indicating the weight of the obstacle.

a major obstacle

Replaces "severe impediment" with a more common and straightforward expression. "Obstacle" is a general term for something that blocks progress.

a significant hindrance

"Hindrance" is a synonym for "impediment", maintaining a similar level of formality. "Significant" emphasizes the impact of the obstacle.

a considerable barrier

"Barrier" suggests a more concrete obstacle than "impediment". "Considerable" highlights the size or importance of the barrier.

a major stumbling block

Uses the idiom "stumbling block" which means something that impedes progress or causes a problem.

a substantial constraint

"Constraint" focuses on limitation or restriction. "Substantial" highlights the degree of limitation.

a critical setback

"Setback" refers to a delay or reversal in progress. "Critical" suggests that the setback has serious consequences.

a grave encumbrance

"Encumbrance" is a more formal synonym for "burden" or "hindrance". "Grave" emphasizes the seriousness of the impediment.

a crippling blow

"Crippling blow" suggests a damaging event that severely weakens or incapacitates. This phrase carries a more negative connotation.

a difficult challenge

Expresses the impediment as a problem to overcome, focusing on the difficulty rather than obstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "a severe impediment" in a sentence?

You can use "a severe impediment" to describe something that significantly hinders progress or achievement. For example, "Lack of funding was "a severe impediment" to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "a severe impediment"?

Some alternatives to "a severe impediment" include "a major obstacle", "a significant hindrance", or "a considerable barrier", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a severe impediment" or "a serious impediment"?

Both "a severe impediment" and "a serious impediment" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Severe" suggests a greater degree of intensity or impact than "serious".

When should I use "a severe impediment" instead of "a minor inconvenience"?

Use "a severe impediment" when describing something that poses a significant challenge or obstacle, hindering progress substantially. If the issue is only a slight disruption, "a minor inconvenience" is more appropriate.