stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity
Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence
Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project.
My plans hit a stumbling block.
Recent Examples on the Web
Abstraction is a mode of art-making that can be a stumbling block for biennial curators, who often can’t quite figure out what to do with it.
—
Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 May 2026
However, Rayner’s recent history in the Labour Party could prove to be a stumbling block, experts note.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 May 2026
Irving's complicated journey with leadership has been well documented, from his controversial trade request from Cleveland to stumbling blocks in Boston and Brooklyn.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026
The stumbling blocks to dialogue are immense.
—Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
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Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 May 2026
However, Rayner’s recent history in the Labour Party could prove to be a stumbling block, experts note.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 May 2026
Irving's complicated journey with leadership has been well documented, from his controversial trade request from Cleveland to stumbling blocks in Boston and Brooklyn.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026
The stumbling blocks to dialogue are immense.
—Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ-
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
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