The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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impediment

noun

/ɪmˈpɛdɪm(ə)nt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of impediment

Something that obstructs or hinders progress or achievement.
"The lack of resources was an impediment to the charity's ability to help those in need."

Detailed meaning of impediment

It can also refer to something that causes difficulty or makes something harder to do. An impediment can be physical, such as an obstacle, or it can be a limitation or a constraint of some other kind, such as a lack of resources or a legal restriction.

For example, you can say "The lack of funding was a major impediment to the success of the project." Or "His speech impediment made it difficult for him to communicate effectively."

It can also describe a personal characteristic that makes it hard to do something, like a physical disability, a cognitive issue or a personality trait that might be obstacle to some particular action or goal.

In any case, an impediment is a blockage, obstacle, or hindrance that makes it harder to achieve something or to progress forward.

Example sentences containing impediment

1. Language barriers can be a significant impediment to communication.
2. His lack of experience was not an impediment to his success.
3. The mountain proved to be a formidable impediment to their journey.
4. Financial constraints were the main impediment to their plans.
5. She saw her disability as a challenge, not an impediment.
6. The bureaucratic process acted as a major impediment to the project.

History and etymology of impediment

The noun 'impediment' is derived from the Latin word 'impedimentum,' which is formed from 'impedire,' the same root as the verb 'impede.' 'Impedire' combines 'in,' meaning 'in' or 'into,' and 'pes,' meaning 'foot,' giving the original sense of something that 'gets in the way of the feet' or 'hinders forward movement.' In this context, 'impediment' etymologically signifies something that obstructs or hinders progress or achievement. Over time, it has come to represent any obstacle, difficulty, or limitation that interferes with the smooth flow of an action or process. The etymology of 'impediment' underscores its historical association with physical obstructions and its broader application to various types of hindrances in contemporary usage.

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Further usage examples of impediment

1. Overcoming self-doubt is a crucial step in removing the impediment to success.
2. Lack of education can be an impediment to finding stable employment.
3. Outdated technology is an impediment to our efficiency.
4. Cultural differences should not be seen as an impediment to collaboration.
5. Legal hurdles can be a significant impediment to starting a business.
6. Fear of failure can be a mental impediment to taking risks.
7. The company's debt was a major impediment to growth.
8. A lack of resources can be a significant impediment to innovation.
9. The long commute is an impediment to work-life balance.
10. A lack of support from colleagues can be an impediment to success.
11. Navigating the complex healthcare system can be an impediment to getting treatment.
12. Time constraints can be a significant impediment to achieving goals.
13. Political instability is an impediment to economic development.
14. Negative attitudes can be an impediment to building positive relationships.
15. The language barrier was a significant impediment to their communication.
16. The lack of funding was a major impediment to the research project.
17. The poor weather conditions presented an impediment to the construction progress.
18. The difference in cultural beliefs was an impediment to the negotiation process.
19. The steep hill was an impediment to the runner's progress.
20. The broken elevator was an impediment to accessing the upper floors.
21. The political instability in the region presented an impediment to the peace talks.
22. The outdated technology was an impediment to the company's efficiency.
23. High taxation is a major impediment to economic growth.
24. The physical disability presented an impediment to the athlete's performance.
25. The strict regulations presented an impediment to the company's expansion plans.
26. The disagreement among team members was an impediment to making a decision.