obstáculo
A thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress. It can be physical or metaphorical.
Examples
3 of 5Superaron todos los obstáculos con éxito.
They overcame all obstacles successfully.
El idioma puede ser un obstáculo para la integración.
Language can be an obstacle to integration.
Hay muchos obstáculos burocráticos.
There are many bureaucratic obstacles.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'obstacle' in English. The prefix 'obs-' implies being in the way.
Quick Quiz
El mal tiempo fue un ___ para terminar la obra.
Correct!
The correct answer is: obstáculo
Examples
Superaron todos los obstáculos con éxito.
everydayThey overcame all obstacles successfully.
El idioma puede ser un obstáculo para la integración.
formalLanguage can be an obstacle to integration.
Hay muchos obstáculos burocráticos.
businessThere are many bureaucratic obstacles.
La montaña era un obstáculo natural.
academicThe mountain was a natural obstacle.
No pongas más obstáculos al plan.
informalDon't put more obstacles in the way of the plan.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a pesar de los obstáculos
despite the obstacles
salvar un obstáculo
to bridge/overcome an obstacle
sin obstáculos
without obstacles
Often Confused With
Espectáculo is a show or performance; obstáculo is a hindrance.
Usage Notes
Used frequently when discussing problems and solutions in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Common Mistakes
Ensure the accent is on the first 'o' (obstáculo).
Memory Tip
Think of 'obstacle' in English. The prefix 'obs-' implies being in the way.
Word Origin
From Latin 'obstaculum', from 'obstare' (to stand in the way).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
El mal tiempo fue un ___ para terminar la obra.
Correct!
The correct answer is: obstáculo
More academic words
abordar
B2To address or tackle a topic, problem, or situation. In a literal sense, it can also mean to board a ship or approach someone to speak.
garantizar
B2To provide a formal assurance, especially that certain conditions will be fulfilled relating to a product, service, or transaction. In academic terms, it means to ensure a result or standard.
inevitable
B2Certain to happen; unavoidable. Used in academic writing to describe logical conclusions or historical events that cannot be prevented.
inherente
B2Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. It refers to a quality that cannot be separated from the thing itself.
plausible
B2Seeming reasonable or probable. It is used to describe an argument or explanation that is believable even if not yet proven.
predominante
B2Present as the strongest or main element; having control or power. Used to describe the most common feature in a set of data or a society.
radical
B2Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough. It often describes changes or ideas that go to the root of a matter.
significativo
B2Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; meaningful.
sustancial
B2Of considerable importance, size, or worth. In academic contexts, it is used to describe significant changes or differences in data or theories.
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