an obstacle to progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obstacle to progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing factors or situations that hinder advancement or development in various contexts, such as business, personal growth, or societal issues. Example: "The lack of funding has become an obstacle to progress in our research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He is an obstacle to progress in the Middle East.

The New York Times

The former folk art museum building, having all those things, isn't an obstacle to progress but an opportunity.

The New York Times - Arts

Regardless of the coalition's success at the district level, an obdurate and erratic Mr. Karzai is an obstacle to progress.

The New York Times

Islam can be a fertile ground for political creativity — and not an obstacle to progress, as Orientalist thinkers in the West have so often claimed.

The New York Times

Egypt and Jordan, both American allies with strong ties to the Palestinians, have long since quietly concluded that Yasser Arafat has become an obstacle to progress.

The Economist

It reportedly found the need for greater coordination between communities, government and authorities but also noted deep mistrust as an obstacle to progress.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

While many ethical systems place a primary moral value on preserving and protecting the natural, transhumanists do not see any value in defining what is natural and what is not and consider arguments to preserve some perceived natural state of the human body as an unthinking obstacle to progress.

SEP

The challenges of measuring diagnostic errors have emerged as an unavoidable obstacle to progress in this area, particularly as the focus of research has shifted from autopsy reports 6 7 and malpractice claims 8 9 to more representative and sophisticated data sources.

BMJ Quality and Safety

In 2012, Jeffrey Sachs said a lack of funding was a key obstacle to progress.

The Guardian

The continuing separation of physical and mental-health services is a formidable obstacle to progress – it comes with "a high human cost" and adds £11bn a year to the NHS's financial burden.

The Guardian

Indeed, the persistent worries, however unjustified, that the MPR would forfeit this asset by unconstitutionally unseating Mr Wahid, have been a major obstacle to progress.Now there is a chance for several difficult issues to be resolved.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: tailor your use of "an obstacle to progress" to suit the tone and formality of the piece. For example, a formal report might benefit from more precise language.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the obstacle. While it hinders progress, it might not be insurmountable. Use qualifiers such as "significant" or "major" judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obstacle to progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate for use in written English. For example, "Corruption is an obstacle to progress."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obstacle to progress" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote factors hindering advancement. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate for written English and our analysis shows it is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatement and ensuring clarity. Alternatives such as "a barrier to advancement" or "a hindrance to development" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding these subtle differences allows for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrier to advancement

Emphasizes the hindering aspect, portraying progress as moving forward.

a hindrance to development

Focuses on the delaying or impeding of growth or development.

an impediment to growth

Highlights the prevention or obstruction of growth.

a stumbling block to success

Implies a difficulty that prevents someone from achieving a goal.

a setback for advancement

Suggests a temporary delay or reversal in forward movement.

a deterrent to improvement

Highlights something that discourages improvement.

a drag on development

Indicates a slowing or retarding force on development.

a brake on progress

Conveys a force that slows down or stops progress.

a constraint on advancement

Implies a limitation or restriction on forward movement.

a roadblock to achievement

Focuses on a direct obstruction to reaching a specific achievement.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "an obstacle to progress"?

Alternatives include "a barrier to advancement", "a hindrance to development", or "an impediment to growth", which all convey a similar meaning of something that is hindering advancement.

How can I use "an obstacle to progress" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe anything that is preventing or delaying advancement in a particular area. For instance, "Lack of funding is "an obstacle to progress" in our research."

Is "an obstacle for progress" grammatically correct?

While "an obstacle for progress" might be understood, ""an obstacle to progress"" is the standard and more grammatically sound phrasing.

What is the difference between "an obstacle to progress" and "a challenge"?

"An obstacle to progress" implies something is actively hindering advancement, whereas "a challenge" suggests something that requires effort to overcome but doesn't necessarily halt progress.