obstacles to success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstacles to success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or barriers that prevent someone from achieving their goals or desired outcomes. Example: "Despite facing numerous obstacles to success, she remained determined to achieve her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

For months education experts have described obstacles to success.

The Economist

Yet each faces what could be insurmountable obstacles to success.

The New York Times

Obstacles to success are transient, and a more obliging phase kicks in after this week's awkward full Moon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The dark-side predictor, which is officially named the Leadership Challenge Profile, focuses on obstacles to success.

The New York Times

The legislation, health experts say, seems thoughtfully put together, but the obstacles to success will be daunting.

The New York Times

"Life events, such as birth, divorce, death of a loved one and other emotional highs and lows are obstacles to success in this specific field of finance".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The biggest obstacle to success is just being noticed," Dr. Watts said.

The New York Times - Science

And that presents the biggest obstacle to success for this experiment.

The Guardian - Tech

There is one obstacle to success, however, that we must avoid.

The New York Times

France won at last and the taboo was broken, L'Humanité describing Zidane as an "obstacle" to success.

The Guardian - Sport

By the time Clough got to Forest the goalposts had started to move and Liverpool were presenting an almost monolithic obstacle to success.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "obstacles to success", be specific about the nature of these obstacles. Instead of generally stating that there are "obstacles to success", identify them clearly to provide a more insightful and actionable analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "obstacles to success" as a vague placeholder. Instead of saying 'lack of funding is an obstacle to success', be precise: 'limited access to capital restricts the ability to scale operations and achieve profitability'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstacles to success" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in identifying challenges that impede progress. It refers to specific impediments that hinder the achievement of a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obstacles to success" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe factors that impede progress toward a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity and impact, it's recommended to specify the nature of these obstacles, rather than using the phrase in a general or vague manner. Alternative phrases such as "impediments to success", "barriers to success", and "challenges to success" can be used to add nuance or emphasis depending on the context. Avoiding overgeneralization and providing concrete examples strengthens the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impediments to success

Synonymous; using "impediments" offers a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

barriers to success

"Barriers" emphasizes the blocking nature of the hindrances.

challenges to success

"Challenges" frames the hindrances as something to be overcome, often implying effort is needed.

roadblocks to success

"Roadblocks" suggests sudden and unexpected hindrances, often disrupting progress.

hurdles to success

"Hurdles" implies that the hindrances are smaller and can be overcome by jumping over them.

difficulties in achieving success

More verbose; highlights the difficulties inherent in reaching a successful outcome.

factors hindering success

Focuses on the causal aspect, suggesting specific elements that actively impede progress.

setbacks on the path to success

"Setbacks" emphasizes temporary impediments that cause delays but don't necessarily halt progress completely.

complications impacting success

"Complications" indicates that external factors and circumstances can negatively affect success.

stumbling blocks to success

"Stumbling blocks" refers to unexpected difficulties that can cause one to falter.

FAQs

What are some common examples of "obstacles to success"?

Common "obstacles to success" include lack of resources, poor planning, market competition, and ineffective leadership. The specific obstacles vary depending on the context and goals.

How can I identify potential "obstacles to success" in a project?

Conduct a thorough risk assessment, analyze historical data from similar projects, and consult with experienced professionals to identify potential "obstacles to success". Regular monitoring and adaptation are also crucial.

What can I say instead of "obstacles to success"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "obstacle for success" instead of "obstacles to success"?

While "obstacle for success" might be understood, "obstacles to success" is the more idiomatic and grammatically preferred phrasing. It correctly indicates that the obstacles are leading to success or a lack thereof.