impediment
UK: ɪmˈped.ɪ.mənt | US: ɪmˈped.ə.mənt
n. an obstacle or hindrance to progress or action
n. (medical) a physical disability, especially in speech
The word traces back to Latin impedimentum, meaning "hindrance," derived from impedire ("to shackle the feet"). The root ped (foot) metaphorically represents movement or progress, while im- negates it, creating the idea of obstruction. Over time, "impediment" expanded from literal physical barriers (e.g., shackles) to abstract obstacles or speech disabilities (e.g., a stammer "tripping" over words).
Lack of funding became a major impediment to the project’s completion.
His stutter was a minor impediment, but he overcame it with practice.
The rocky terrain posed no impediment to the experienced hikers.
Legal impediments delayed the construction of the new bridge.
She viewed criticism as a temporary impediment rather than a failure.