obstacle
noun C1
Plain meaning
something that makes progress difficult
Exam-register meaning
a barrier, constraint, or difficulty that prevents or delays the achievement of a goal
In context
generalLack of time is the biggest obstacle to my exam preparation.
examPoor infrastructure remains a major obstacle to rural economic development.
Common collocations
major obstacleobstacle to progressovercome an obstacle
Watch out
The strongest academic pattern is 'an obstacle to something', not always 'an obstacle for something'.
Word family
obstruct (verb)obstruction (noun)obstructive (adjective)