stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity
Synonyms
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
Beal's no-trade clause was a stumbling block as Phoenix tried to woo Butler and no trades for Durant materialized.
—
Jeremy Duda, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
For starters, Kadri owns a no-movement clause in his contract through 2025-26, but that likely isn’t a stumbling block to a deal.
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Sullivan and Lopetegui spoke before Tuesday’s session, with a deal for Potter reaching a stumbling block over the length of the contract on offer.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
The stumbling block here is that humans are biologically inclined to maintain the status quo, which leads to natural resistance.
—Camille Nicita, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumbling block 
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Jeremy Duda, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
For starters, Kadri owns a no-movement clause in his contract through 2025-26, but that likely isn’t a stumbling block to a deal.
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Sullivan and Lopetegui spoke before Tuesday’s session, with a deal for Potter reaching a stumbling block over the length of the contract on offer.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
The stumbling block here is that humans are biologically inclined to maintain the status quo, which leads to natural resistance.
—Camille Nicita, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stumbling block
Dictionary Entries Near stumbling block
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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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