1. obstacle, obstruction

something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

Example Sentences:
'lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement'
'the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education'
'the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan'

Synonyms

• obstruction

2. obstacle

an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)