stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ- 
1
: an obstacle to progress
2
: an impediment to belief or understanding : perplexity
Examples of stumbling block in a Sentence
Lack of funds is a major stumbling block to the project.
My plans hit a stumbling block.
Recent Examples on the Web
Musk's campaign cash The high cost of launching a political party may not be a big stumbling block for Musk, whose net worth exceeds $350 billion according to Forbes and Bloomberg's valuations.
—
Joe Walsh
july 2, CBS News, 2 July 2025
Experts have pointed to affordability concerns as a stumbling block for many buyers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
There could still be stumbling blocks along the way.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Digital taxes are proving a stumbling block in Washington’s negotiations with major trading partners.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
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Joe Walsh
july 2, CBS News, 2 July 2025
Experts have pointed to affordability concerns as a stumbling block for many buyers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
There could still be stumbling blocks along the way.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Digital taxes are proving a stumbling block in Washington’s negotiations with major trading partners.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumbling block
Cite this Entry
“Stumbling block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumbling%20block. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stumbling block
noun
stum·bling block
ˈstəm-bliŋ-
1
: an obstacle to belief or understanding
2
: an obstacle to progress
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