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
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.
Sometimes there’s an English language barrier, but everyone is patient and eager to make your stay memorable. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026 Still suggested that – and bear with us here – the language barrier may have been an issue. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 5 May 2026 Todd Pomerleau, who is now representing the family’s asylum case in immigration court, says a language barrier and interpretation issues contributed to the asylum claim being denied. Armando Garcia, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026 There’s no official language, but English is the de facto primary language used for government, education and media, so the language barrier is essentially nonexistent. Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for language barrier

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Language barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language%20barrier. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster