obstructionist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstructionist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who deliberately prevents progress or action, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The senator's obstructionist tactics have stalled the passage of important legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Echoing the tactics of Jim Crow politicians in the 1950s and 60s, Ralph Hudgens, Georgia's Insurance Commissioner, promised that when it came to "Obamacare", he'd do "everything in our power to be an obstructionist".

The Guardian - Opinion

The obstructionist Republicans have no credible alternative on offer to get America back to work – and that is a major gift to Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Hudgens also shared his thoughts on the ACA a couple of months ago: to a round of applause he told his audience that "the problem is Obamacare", and reassured them that "we are doing everything in our power to be an obstructionist".

The Economist

It has been weakened by the turmoil in Syria, hitherto its chief obstructionist sponsor.

The Economist

PO can no longer blame its failures and inefficiencies on a bureaucratic gridlock with an obstructionist president.

The Economist

At that point, House Republicans just might look obstructionist if they fail to go along.

The Economist

Not because they're all rich Republicans, but because it stands to reason that they're making alternative arrangements for their retirement funds.So I would argue that Democrats are playing a slightly obstructionist role on Social Security reform at the moment, even if the sceptics in their ranks are neither as plentiful nor as vociferous as the Republican climate denialists.

The Economist

The AU has little impact on the lives of ordinary Africans and its faceless and possibly clueless diplomats prefer to keep it that way.Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng Accra, GhanaParty lines* SIR – Your leader on America's budget deficit stated that the proposal for a bipartisan deficit commission was "killed by obstructionist Republicans" ("Clueless in Washington", February 6th).

The Economist

Congress's coalition allies (together with obstructionist opposition parties) have repeatedly blocked reform.

The Economist

But he has lukewarm support within his own party and faces obstructionist opposition.

The Economist

Confronted by obstructionist Republicans in Congress, he did well to get anything through at all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing political situations, using "obstructionist" can effectively convey the deliberate hindering of progress by specific individuals or groups. Ensure that you provide clear examples of the actions that qualify them as such to avoid accusations of bias.

Common error

Avoid using "obstructionist" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It's a term with strong political and formal connotations, so using it casually can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obstructionist" is as a noun, referring to someone who obstructs or hinders progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word describes individuals or groups who deliberately impede the actions of others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstructionist" functions primarily as a noun, describing someone who deliberately hinders progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage, with frequent appearances in news and formal writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective in political or organizational contexts to convey disapproval, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. As examples confirm, using "obstructionist" implies more than just disagreement, and should be backed by evidence when attributing this characteristic to someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructer

Similar meaning, slightly less formal, emphasizes the act of obstructing.

thwarting agent

Highlights the act of preventing someone from accomplishing something, presenting the person as the active force behind the failure.

blocking entity

Suggests a physical or metaphorical barrier that prevents progress.

impeding person

Emphasizes the act of obstructing or delaying the progress of a person.

hindering individual

Focuses on the action of delaying or preventing something from happening, emphasizing the individual responsible.

frustrating influence

Focuses on the act of causing someone to feel annoyed or less confident because they cannot achieve what they want.

resister

Emphasizes opposition to authority or established norms.

saboteur

Highlights the deliberate act of undermining or destroying something.

opponent

General term for someone who opposes a plan, policy, or idea.

antagonist

Suggests a more adversarial or hostile relationship.

FAQs

How is "obstructionist" typically used in political discourse?

In political contexts, "obstructionist" is commonly used to describe individuals or groups who deliberately delay or block legislative progress. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that these actions are detrimental to the functioning of government.

What are some synonyms for "obstructionist"?

Alternatives to "obstructionist" include "obstructer", "thwarter", or "impediment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These words carry a similar meaning but may be more appropriate in different contexts.

Is it appropriate to label someone as "obstructionist"?

Labeling someone as "obstructionist" is a serious claim that should be supported by evidence. Before using this term, ensure that you can provide concrete examples of the person's actions that justify the description.

What is the difference between being "obstructionist" and simply disagreeing with a policy?

Disagreeing with a policy is a fundamental aspect of democratic debate. Being "obstructionist" implies actively hindering or preventing the implementation of a policy through procedural tactics or other means, rather than simply voicing opposition.