Synonyms for impediment
Most common
hindrance obstacle barrier difficulty obstruction opposition
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Hindrance
hindrance, obstacle, barrier, difficulty, delay, hinderance, stumbling block, encumbrance, interruption, trouble, burden, hamper, handicap, stop, deterrent, retardation, retarding, inhibition, curb US, check, hitch, let
2. Obstruction
obstruction, opposition, impedimenta, obstructor, interference
Definitions
- n. 1
A hindrance; that which impedes or obstructs progress; impedance.
- n. 2
A disability, especially one affecting the hearing or speech.
Working in a noisy factory left me with a slight hearing impediment.
Related words
- Word family
- impede impedimenta
- Phrases
- impediment of crime speech impediment
Forms
- Plural
- impediments → hindrances, obstacles, barriers, difficulties…
Choose the right word
An impediment is primarily something that checks the foot or in any way makes advance slow or difficult; an obstacle is something that stands across the way, an obstruction something that is built or placed across the way.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- difficulty I had difficulty getting a ticket for the concert.
- barrier There was a language barrier between Ziri and Rima.
- obstacle Bypassing this obstacle, you find your way again.
- hindrance Those new rules were more of a hindrance than a help.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| impediment | steady | |
| difficulty | falling | |
| barrier | steady | |
| obstacle | steady | |
| hindrance | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- let1
- 4 letters
- stop1, curb1
- 5 letters
- check1, delay2, hitch1
- 6 letters
- burden2, hamper2
- 7 letters
- trouble2, barrier3
- 8 letters
- obstacle3, handicap3
- 9 letters
- deterrent3, hindrance2, retarding3
- 10 letters
- opposition4, difficulty4, inhibition4, hinderance, obstructor
- 11 letters
- obstruction3, retardation4, encumbrance, impedimenta
- 12 letters
- interference4, interruption4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (delay2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- empêchement
- Español
- impedimento
- Deutsch
- Verhinderung