impediment
/im'pedimənt/
Definition
- Noun:
- A physical obstruction or barrier: An impediment is any physical structure or object that hinders movement or progress.
- An abstract hindrance or obstacle: An impediment is an immaterial factor, such as a condition, rule, or circumstance, that interferes with, delays, or prevents an action or progress.
Usage
- The word "impediment" is a formal noun used to describe both tangible and intangible obstacles. It often implies a significant or formal barrier that must be overcome.
- It is commonly used in legal, medical, and formal academic or professional contexts.
Examples
- Physical Obstruction:
- The fallen tree was a major impediment to traffic on the road.
- The construction site placed several impediments to pedestrian access.
- Abstract Hindrance:
- His lack of experience was the primary impediment to getting the job.
- Bureaucratic red tape can be a serious impediment to economic growth.
- Specific Context (Speech):
- She worked with a therapist to overcome a speech impediment.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Context: In law, an "impediment" can refer to a condition that prevents a contract or marriage from being legally valid.
- A prior existing marriage is a legal impediment to a new marriage.
- Medical Context: Often used to describe a physical or functional disorder.
- The patient's hearing impediment required the use of a specialized device.
Variants and Related Words
- Impede (verb): To delay or block the progress of something.
- Bad weather impeded the rescue efforts.
- Impedimenta (noun, plural): Equipment or baggage that impedes movement, especially of an army. (Formal/Literary)
- The soldiers discarded unnecessary impedimenta to move faster.
Synonyms
- Obstacle: Something that blocks one's way or hinders progress.
- Hindrance: A thing that provides resistance or delay.
- Barrier: A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
- Obstruction: The action of obstructing or the state of being obstructed.
Antonyms
- Aid: Help or support.
- Advantage: A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable position.
- Assistance: The action of helping someone.
- Facilitation: The action of making an action or process easy or easier.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Impediment to progress: A standard phrase highlighting something that blocks advancement.
- Corruption is widely seen as an impediment to the country's progress.
- Remove the impediment: To eliminate the obstacle.
- The new policy aims to remove the impediments to foreign investment.
Noun
-
any structure that makes progress difficult
-
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
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