B1 noun Neutral

عقبة

/ʕaq.ba/

A difficulty or problem that prevents progress or makes it harder to achieve a goal. It is often used to describe barriers in development, education, or career.

Examples

3 of 5
1

واجه الباحث عقبة في جمع البيانات.

The researcher faced an obstacle in collecting data.

2

اللغة ليست عقبة أمام الصداقة.

Language is not a barrier to friendship.

3

هناك عقبات قانونية يجب حلها.

There are legal hurdles that must be resolved.

Word Family

Noun
عقبة
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Memory Tip

Think of the city 'Aqaba' - to get there, you might have to cross mountain 'obstacles'.

Quick Quiz

تعتبر اللغة أحياناً ____ أمام المهاجرين.

Correct!

The correct answer is: عقبة

Examples

1

واجه الباحث عقبة في جمع البيانات.

academic

The researcher faced an obstacle in collecting data.

2

اللغة ليست عقبة أمام الصداقة.

everyday

Language is not a barrier to friendship.

3

هناك عقبات قانونية يجب حلها.

business

There are legal hurdles that must be resolved.

4

كل نجاح يبدأ بتجاوز عقبة.

informal

Every success starts with overcoming an obstacle.

5

تعتبر الأمية عقبة أمام التنمية.

formal

Illiteracy is considered an obstacle to development.

Word Family

Noun
عقبة

Common Collocations

واجه عقبة Faced an obstacle
تجاوز عقبة Overcame an obstacle
عقبة رئيسية Major obstacle
وضع عقبات Placed hurdles
إزالة العقبات Removing obstacles

Common Phrases

عقبة في طريق

An obstacle in the path of

حجر عثرة

Stumbling block

سلسلة من العقبات

A series of hurdles

Often Confused With

عقبة vs عقوبة

Uquba means punishment, while Aqaba means obstacle.

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Usage Notes

Used frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 when discussing challenges in urban planning or environmental protection.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Do not confuse with 'Aqiba' (consequence), which has a similar root but different meaning.

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Memory Tip

Think of the city 'Aqaba' - to get there, you might have to cross mountain 'obstacles'.

📖

Word Origin

From the root (ع-ق-ب) relating to something that follows or a heel.

Grammar Patterns

عقبة + أمام + noun واجه + عقبة

Quick Quiz

تعتبر اللغة أحياناً ____ أمام المهاجرين.

Correct!

The correct answer is: عقبة

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