obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

"obstacles" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to difficulties that stand in the way of you achieving a goal. Example Sentence: Overcoming the numerous obstacles she faced, she was able to earn her degree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must take legal action now or you may lose the opportunity to do so due to future legal obstacles".

The Guardian - Arts

There will be all sorts of obstacles to the sort of Iranian-American relations that the Saudis fear.

The Guardian

It's a major challenge given obstacles surrounding oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The highest-ranking self-published author on the 5 August NYT chart is Colleen Hoover, whose ebook Slammed ("A girl falls in love with a neighbour who enjoys slam poetry, but they encounter obstacles") comes in in eighth place, ahead of ebooks by established bestsellers James Patterson and Karin Slaughter.

The Guardian - Books

"[The new law] removes all the obstacles and paves the way so that there is no problem fulfilling these contracts," Campanini says.

The Guardian

While some employers have been prosecuted for murder or extreme physical abuse, migrant workers face many legal and practical obstacles if they decide to take action.

The Guardian

Huge obstacles faced Euromaidan investigators, the international panel said.

The Guardian

It was primarily a political term, borne of a recognition among those who'd recently arrived in Britain that they faced obstacles in common and would try and beat them together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grabar discusses the potential problems of the new network: a small projected ridership (would the proposed cable car be more popular?), low employment density along the city's coastline, administrative obstacles and weather dependence.

The Guardian

"Serious disagreements and contradictions between the IMF and European Union are creating obstacles in the negotiations and a high level of danger," said a senior government source.

The Guardian

But making announcements is just the start; and what remains to be seen is whether ministers can overcome the obstacles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about overcoming difficulties, use "obstacles" to emphasize the active process of confronting and surpassing challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "obstacles" as a verb; instead, use verbs like "obstruct", "hinder", or "impede" to describe the action of creating or causing obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The word "obstacles" functions primarily as a plural noun. It refers to things that impede progress or block one's way. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a commonly used term in various contexts. Examples show it being used to describe both tangible and intangible hindrances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstacles" is a very common plural noun used to describe things that impede progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and broadly applicable. It's important to use it accurately to refer to multiple hindrances, and remember that it should not be used as a verb. The most frequent contexts for "obstacles" are news and media, business, and scientific writing. When looking for alternative words you can use "impediments", "barriers", or "challenges". By mastering these nuances, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediments

A more formal synonym referring to hindrances or obstructions.

barriers

Implies a more significant and harder-to-overcome hindrance.

obstructions

Focuses on the act of blocking or impeding progress.

hurdles

Suggests challenges that require effort to overcome, often in a competitive context.

difficulties

A general term for problems or challenges faced.

challenges

Emphasizes the need for effort and skill to overcome a demanding situation.

setbacks

Refers to temporary impediments that delay progress.

hindrances

Highlights something that delays or prevents progress.

roadblocks

Similar to "barriers" but often used metaphorically for any kind of obstruction.

snags

Refers to unexpected or minor difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "obstacles" to refer to difficulties or challenges that hinder progress. For example, "Despite the numerous obstacles, the team achieved its goal."

What are some alternatives to the word "obstacles"?

You can use alternatives like "impediments", "barriers", or "challenges" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "obstacles" and "challenges"?

"Obstacles" generally refer to things that block or impede progress, while "challenges" refer to situations that require effort and skill to overcome. While similar, "challenges" often imply a more positive and growth-oriented perspective than "obstacles".

Is it correct to say "obstacle" instead of "obstacles"?

The correctness depends on the context. "Obstacle" is singular and refers to a single hindrance, while "obstacles" is plural and refers to multiple hindrances. For example, "The main obstacle was funding" versus "The main obstacles were funding and staffing".