impediment
Something that obstructs or hinders progress
Examples
In a meeting
“Budget constraints are the main impediment to expanding the team”
Over coffee
“My lack of a car is a real impediment to taking that job”
Why this word
obstacle
Impediment suggests something that slows or hinders progress, while obstacle implies a more complete blockage
problem
Impediment specifically denotes a hindrance to movement or progress, while problem is generic for any difficulty
difficulty
Impediment identifies a specific barrier impeding action, while difficulty vaguely describes something being hard
Usage tip
Use to identify obstacles that slow or prevent progress; more formal than 'problem' or 'issue'
Etymology
Latin 'impedimentum' (from impedire 'shackle the feet' — in- 'in' + pes 'foot')
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Related words
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.