Need another word for Hurdle? Use these synonyms of Hurdle from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
obstacle
barrier
challenge
difficulty
impediment
hindrance
blockage
snag
hitch
stumbling block
setback
problem
complication
encumbrance
obstruction
impedimenta
obstructionism
snaggle
trammel
encumbrance
obstacle course
barrier reef
stumbling stone
millstone
albatross
burden
weight
load
onus
responsibility
duty
task
trial
test
examination
assessment
evaluation
appraisal
check
scrutiny
inspection
survey
review
roadblock
bottleneck
logjam
gridlock
jam
block
stop
halt
stay
delay
postponement
deferment
detour
deviation
diversion
bypass
circumvention
evasion
avoidance
escape
flight
dodging
evading
eluding
skirting
shirking
shunning
eschewing
Meaning of Hurdle
The primary meaning of the word "hurdle" is an obstacle or difficulty that needs to be overcome.
Definitions
- A barrier, especially one that is part of an obstacle course, typically consisting of a series of bars or other obstacles that athletes must jump over
- A difficulty or obstacle that you must overcome in order to achieve something
- A level or standard that someone or something must reach or exceed in order to be considered successful or acceptable
Etymology of Hurdle
The word "hurdle" originated in the 15th century, from the Old French word "hurdel", meaning "door, gate", which is derived from the Latin word "hordeum", meaning "barrier" or "obstacle"
Initially, the word referred to a movable frame or barrier used to enclose or divide an area, and later it came to be used figuratively to describe any obstacle or challenge that needed to be overcome
Example Uses
- The athletes trained hard to clear the hurdle in the obstacle course
- The company faced a major hurdle in the form of a tough competitor
- She had to overcome many hurdles before she could start her own business
- The new policy has created a hurdle for many small businesses
- The team had to clear the hurdle of qualifying for the finals before they could compete for the championship
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
advantage
benefit
bonus
boost
aid
assistance
help
support
facilitation
ease
simplicity
straightforwardness
clarity
transparency
openness
accessibility
convenience
opportunity
opening
chance
break
luck
fortune
prosperity
success
triumph
victory
achievement
accomplishment
fulfillment
satisfaction
pleasure
enjoyment
delight
facilitator
catalyst
stimulus
incentive
motivation
encouragement
impetus
momentum
thrust
drive
push
momentum
spur
goad
prod
urge
stimulus
spark
ignition
fuel
fire
flame
blaze
passion
enthusiasm
zeal
fervor
ardor
excitement
thrill
exhilaration
euphoria