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
The talent was clearly there, but there was always a stumbling block.
—
Mark Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
In other words, the very wealth being used to finance the campaign becomes a stumbling block for many voters.
—Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Missing out on Champions League qualification is unlikely to be a major stumbling block given that, in theory at least, Chelsea should be in a better position to challenge for silverware next season and more readily able to compete in Europe’s blue-chip competition longer term than Villa.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Look For Industry Expertise Deciding whether to build or buy agentic AI software can be a stumbling block.
—Jay Bhatty, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
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Mark Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
In other words, the very wealth being used to finance the campaign becomes a stumbling block for many voters.
—Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Missing out on Champions League qualification is unlikely to be a major stumbling block given that, in theory at least, Chelsea should be in a better position to challenge for silverware next season and more readily able to compete in Europe’s blue-chip competition longer term than Villa.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Look For Industry Expertise Deciding whether to build or buy agentic AI software can be a stumbling block.
—Jay Bhatty, Forbes.com, 1 June 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 15 Jun. 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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