language barrier
noun
: a difficulty for people communicating because they speak different languages
Examples of language barrier in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once used to break down a language barrier and celebrate a new Colombian employee, the paper and flag are now mementos of Alejandro Toro Sepulveda.
—
Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 10 Feb. 2026
Defense lawyers Brian Klein and Axel contended in court filings that Puig, who is from Cuba, was confused because of his language barrier and a dual diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The defense argues that the language barrier and cognitive issues impacted his ability to understand the questions asked of him.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for language barrier
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 10 Feb. 2026
Defense lawyers Brian Klein and Axel contended in court filings that Puig, who is from Cuba, was confused because of his language barrier and a dual diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The defense argues that the language barrier and cognitive issues impacted his ability to understand the questions asked of him.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for language barrier
Cite this Entry
“Language barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language%20barrier. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
