Obstacles are a common part of life, but sometimes it feels like they’re popping up left and right. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a cool slang word to describe these pesky barriers? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve scoured the depths of the English language to bring you a list of the most catchy and creative slang for obstacles. Get ready to tackle those challenges with a whole new vocabulary!
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1. Rumph
This term refers to something that prevents progress or hinders someone from achieving their goals. It can be used to describe a physical object or a metaphorical challenge.
- For instance, “The locked gate was a rumph that prevented us from entering the park.”
- In a discussion about overcoming obstacles, someone might say, “Don’t let rumphs hold you back from pursuing your dreams.”
- A person facing difficulties might express, “I’m currently dealing with a few rumphs in my personal life.”
2. Fail
When something does not go according to plan or does not meet expectations, it can be described as a fail. It indicates a failure or a disappointment.
- For example, “I studied all night but still had a fail on the test.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I had a major fail when I forgot my lines during the play.”
- Another might admit, “I attempted a new recipe, but it turned out to be a fail.”
3. They see me rollin they hatin
This phrase is often used humorously to describe a situation where someone is envious or resentful of another person’s success or abilities. It implies that others are jealous of the person’s skills or accomplishments.
- For instance, “I just got a promotion at work. They see me rollin, they hatin!”
- In a conversation about achievements, someone might say, “When you succeed, there will always be people who see you rollin and hatin.”
- A person sharing their accomplishments might use this phrase, “Just finished writing my first novel. They see me rollin, they hatin!”
4. Cheating
Cheating refers to the act of breaking rules or dishonestly gaining an advantage. It can be applied to various situations, including academics, relationships, or games.
- For example, “He was caught cheating on the exam by looking at his neighbor’s paper.”
- A person discussing trust might say, “Cheating in a relationship is a betrayal of trust.”
- Another might warn, “Be careful when playing cards with him, he’s known for cheating.”
5. Scheming
Scheming involves making secret plans or devising strategies, often with a negative connotation. It implies a calculated and often manipulative approach to achieving one’s goals.
- For instance, “She’s always scheming to get ahead in the office.”
- In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “Politicians are often accused of scheming to gain power.”
- A person describing a deceptive friend might say, “I realized she was scheming behind my back to undermine my success.”
6. Jelly
This slang term is derived from the word “jealous” and is used to describe someone who is envious or resentful of another person’s success or achievements.
- For example, “She’s so jelly of her friend’s new car.”
- In a conversation about a promotion, someone might say, “I can tell he’s jelly of my success.”
- A person might jokingly say, “Don’t be jelly, I worked hard for this.”
7. Qweef
This slang term refers to a person’s embarrassing mistake or blunder.
- For instance, “She made a qweef by accidentally sending an email to the wrong recipient.”
- In a discussion about funny mishaps, someone might share, “I had a major qweef when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.”
- A person might say, “I hope I don’t qweef during my presentation tomorrow.”
8. Haters
This term is used to describe people who consistently criticize or express negativity towards someone or something.
- For example, “She doesn’t let the haters bring her down.”
- In a conversation about online trolls, someone might say, “Ignore the haters, they’re just looking for attention.”
- A person might post on social media, “Shoutout to all my supporters, let the haters hate!”
9. Epic fail
This slang term is used to describe a significant or monumental mistake or failure.
- For instance, “His attempt at a backflip was an epic fail.”
- In a discussion about embarrassing moments, someone might share, “I had an epic fail when I forgot my lines during the play.”
- A person might say, “Trying to fix my own plumbing was an epic fail.”
10. Snakebitten
This slang term is used to describe someone who is consistently experiencing bad luck or unfortunate circumstances.
- For example, “He’s been snakebitten with injuries this season.”
- In a conversation about misfortune, someone might say, “I feel like I’ve been snakebitten with bad luck lately.”
- A person might share on social media, “Feeling snakebitten with life’s challenges right now.”
11. Adverse
Adverse is used to describe something that is difficult or unfavorable, especially when it poses an obstacle. It can refer to challenging situations, circumstances, or conditions.
- For example, “The adverse weather conditions made it difficult to drive.”
- In a discussion about the challenges of starting a business, someone might say, “Entrepreneurs often face adverse conditions and setbacks.”
- A sports commentator might describe a team’s performance as “adverse” when they are struggling to overcome obstacles.
12. Hating
Hating is slang for strongly disliking or criticizing something or someone. It can be used to express a negative opinion or attitude towards an obstacle or challenge.
- For instance, “I’m really hating this difficult math problem.”
- In a conversation about a challenging project, someone might say, “I’m hating all the obstacles we have to overcome.”
- A person might express frustration by saying, “I’m hating how this obstacle is holding me back.”
13. Epic win
Epic win refers to a remarkable or impressive victory over an obstacle or challenge. It is often used to emphasize the magnitude or significance of the win.
- For example, “Their team’s comeback in the final minutes was an epic win.”
- In a discussion about personal achievements, someone might say, “Graduating college against all odds was an epic win for me.”
- A gamer might describe defeating a difficult boss in a video game as an “epic win.”
14. Badassery
Badassery is slang for the quality of being exceptionally tough, impressive, or intimidating in the face of obstacles. It is often used to describe someone who overcomes challenges with style and confidence.
- For instance, “Her ability to handle difficult clients with ease is pure badassery.”
- In a discussion about athletes, someone might say, “His performance in the championship game was full of badassery.”
- A person might admire someone’s ability to overcome obstacles and say, “I aspire to have that level of badassery.”
15. Dicey
Dicey is slang for something that is risky or uncertain, especially when it comes to overcoming obstacles. It implies a situation that is potentially challenging or difficult to navigate.
- For example, “The weather conditions made the road conditions dicey.”
- In a conversation about a complicated problem, someone might say, “The solution is a bit dicey, but we’ll figure it out.”
- A person might express hesitation by saying, “I’m not sure about this plan, it seems a bit dicey to me.”
16. Sell off
To quickly get rid of something, often at a discounted price. This term is often used when there is a need to quickly sell a large quantity of items or assets.
- For example, “The store had a sell off of their winter inventory to make room for the spring collection.”
- In a financial context, someone might say, “Investors panicked and caused a sell off in the stock market.”
- A person organizing a garage sale might advertise, “Everything must go! Massive sell off of household items!”
17. Chuck Norris
This term is used to describe an obstacle or challenge that is seemingly impossible to overcome, much like the legendary martial artist and actor, Chuck Norris.
- For instance, “The competition is fierce, it’s like facing Chuck Norris in a fight.”
- In a video game, a player might say, “That boss battle is a real Chuck Norris, I can’t beat it!”
- A person describing a difficult task might say, “Trying to solve this math problem feels like taking on Chuck Norris.”
18. Work out
To find a solution or overcome a problem. This term is often used when facing a challenge or obstacle and successfully finding a way to deal with it.
- For example, “We had some issues, but we managed to work them out.”
- In a relationship context, someone might say, “We had a disagreement, but we talked and worked it out.”
- A person discussing personal growth might say, “I faced many obstacles, but I worked them out and became a stronger individual.”
19. Pulling a homer
To achieve success or victory in a situation where it seemed unlikely or difficult. This term is often used when someone accomplishes something remarkable despite facing obstacles or challenges.
- For instance, “He was the underdog in the race, but he pulled a homer and won.”
- In a sports context, someone might say, “That last-minute goal was like pulling a homer!”
- A person describing a difficult project might say, “The team faced numerous challenges, but they pulled a homer and delivered exceptional results.”
20. Academic darwinism
A term used to describe the competitive nature of academia, where only the strongest and most capable individuals succeed. It refers to the idea that in the academic world, those who are able to adapt and excel are the ones who thrive, while others may struggle or fail.
- For example, “The intense competition for funding and resources creates a sense of academic darwinism.”
- In a discussion about graduate school, someone might say, “Only the best students survive academic darwinism.”
- A person describing the pressure of academic performance might say, “The constant need to excel can create a sense of academic darwinism among students.”
21. Impediment
An impediment is something that hinders or obstructs progress or movement. It is often used to describe a significant obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a goal or completing a task.
- For example, “Lack of funding was the main impediment to the project’s success.”
- In a sports context, a coach might say, “Injuries can be a major impediment to a team’s performance.”
- A student might describe a difficult subject as an impediment, saying, “Math has always been an impediment for me.”
22. Snag
A snag is a minor obstacle or difficulty that causes a delay or interruption. It is often used to describe a small problem that needs to be resolved before progress can continue.
- For instance, “We hit a snag when the printer ran out of ink.”
- In a construction project, a contractor might say, “We encountered a snag when we discovered an unexpected plumbing issue.”
- A person planning a trip might say, “I need to sort out a few snags with my travel arrangements before I can finalize my itinerary.”
23. Hitch
A hitch is a temporary or minor problem that causes a delay or interruption. It is often used to describe a small obstacle that needs to be overcome before progress can continue.
- For example, “We experienced a hitch in the software update, but it was quickly resolved.”
- In a wedding planning context, a bride might say, “We hit a hitch when the florist had to cancel, but we found a replacement.”
- A person organizing an event might say, “I’m working out a few hitches with the venue, but everything else is on track.”
24. Handicap
A handicap is a condition or circumstance that puts someone at a disadvantage or limits their abilities. It is often used to describe an obstacle or barrier that makes it more difficult for someone to succeed or achieve their goals.
- For instance, “His lack of experience was a handicap in the job interview.”
- In a sports context, a coach might say, “Our team has a handicap because we’re missing our star player.”
- A person discussing equality might say, “Discrimination can create a handicap for marginalized individuals.”
25. Stumbling block
A stumbling block is an obstacle or difficulty that causes someone to hesitate or struggle. It is often used to describe a challenge or problem that prevents smooth progress or forward motion.
- For example, “Lack of communication between departments was a stumbling block in the project.”
- In a personal development context, someone might say, “Fear of failure can be a stumbling block to pursuing your dreams.”
- A student might describe a difficult concept as a stumbling block, saying, “Understanding calculus was a stumbling block for me.”
26. Catch-22
This term refers to a situation where a person is trapped by contradictory rules or conditions. It implies that no matter what decision is made, there will be negative consequences.
- For example, “I can’t get a job without experience, but I can’t get experience without a job. It’s a Catch-22.”
- In a discussion about military bureaucracy, someone might say, “The Catch-22 in the regulations made it impossible for the soldier to get the help he needed.”
- A person facing a difficult choice might say, “I’m stuck in a Catch-22. Either way, I lose.”
27. Monkey wrench
This term refers to something or someone that disrupts or hinders progress or plans. It can also be used as a verb to mean to interfere or cause problems.
- For instance, “The unexpected rainstorm threw a monkey wrench into our outdoor event.”
- In a conversation about politics, someone might say, “The opposition party is trying to throw a monkey wrench into the passing of the new legislation.”
- A person discussing a failed project might say, “A lack of communication really monkey-wrenched the whole operation.”
28. Impasse
An impasse refers to a situation where progress or resolution is impossible due to a disagreement or stalemate. It implies a point where further negotiation or action is futile.
- For example, “The contract negotiations reached an impasse when neither party was willing to compromise.”
- In a discussion about a failed peace treaty, someone might say, “The two sides reached an impasse, leading to an escalation of the conflict.”
- A person facing a difficult decision might say, “I’m at an impasse. Neither option seems like the right choice.”
29. Dilemma
A dilemma refers to a situation where a person is faced with two equally undesirable choices. It implies a difficult decision that must be made.
- For instance, “I’m in a dilemma. Should I stay in my current job that pays well but makes me unhappy, or should I pursue my passion with uncertain financial stability?”
- In a discussion about ethical issues, someone might say, “The doctor faced a dilemma when deciding whether to prioritize the patient’s autonomy or their well-being.”
- A person discussing a moral predicament might say, “I’m torn between two conflicting values. It’s a real dilemma.”
30. Quandary
A quandary refers to a state of uncertainty or confusion where a person is unsure about what to do. It implies a difficult problem or situation that requires careful consideration.
- For example, “I’m in a quandary. I don’t know whether to accept the job offer that requires relocating or to stay in my current city.”
- In a discussion about a difficult decision, someone might say, “I find myself in a quandary. Both options have their pros and cons.”
- A person facing a moral dilemma might say, “I’m deeply conflicted and in a quandary about what the right course of action is.”
31. Conundrum
A conundrum is a difficult problem or puzzle that is often confusing or perplexing. It refers to a situation where finding a solution is challenging or requires deep thought.
- For instance, someone might say, “I’m facing a conundrum – I don’t know whether to accept a job offer or stay in my current position.”
- In a discussion about moral dilemmas, someone might present a conundrum like, “If you could save five strangers by sacrificing one person, would you do it?”
- A person might describe a complex situation by saying, “It’s a conundrum – no matter what decision I make, there will be consequences.”
32. Jam
The term “jam” is often used to describe a difficult or challenging situation. It implies being stuck or experiencing obstacles that hinder progress or movement.
- For example, someone might say, “I’m in a jam – I locked my keys in the car and I’m running late.”
- In a conversation about work, a person might mention, “I’m in a bit of a jam with this project – the deadline is approaching and I’m still missing crucial information.”
- A student might say, “I’m in a jam with my studies – I have three exams next week and I haven’t started studying yet.”
33. Obstruction
An obstruction refers to something that blocks or hinders progress, movement, or action. It can be a physical obstacle or something intangible that creates difficulties.
- For instance, in a discussion about traffic, someone might complain, “There’s an obstruction on the highway – it’s causing a major delay.”
- In a sports context, a player might say, “The opposing team’s defense was strong – they created multiple obstructions that made it difficult for us to score.”
- A person facing challenges in their career might describe it as, “I feel like there’s always an obstruction preventing me from advancing.”
34. Difficulty
Difficulty refers to the level of challenge or hardship in a particular situation. It implies that something is not easy and requires effort or skill to overcome.
- For example, someone might say, “I’m facing a lot of difficulty with this math problem – I just can’t figure it out.”
- In a conversation about a tough hiking trail, a person might mention, “The steep incline and rocky terrain added to the difficulty of the hike.”
- A student might say, “I’m experiencing difficulty with time management – I have trouble balancing my schoolwork and extracurricular activities.”
35. Bump in the road
A bump in the road is a metaphorical term used to describe a minor setback or obstacle that interrupts progress or causes a delay.
- For instance, someone might say, “We encountered a bump in the road on our road trip – our car broke down and we had to wait for a tow truck.”
- In a discussion about a project, a team member might mention, “We faced a few bumps in the road, but we were able to overcome them and meet our deadline.”
- A person describing their journey to success might say, “There were many bumps in the road along the way, but I never gave up.”
36. Setback
A setback refers to an unexpected or unplanned delay or obstacle that hinders progress or success. It can be a temporary or permanent obstacle that requires additional effort or time to overcome.
- For example, “The project faced a setback when the main supplier backed out at the last minute.”
- In a personal context, one might say, “Getting sick right before the big presentation was a setback for me.”
- A sports team might experience a setback if their star player gets injured before an important game.
37. Catch
To “catch” refers to encountering an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that prevents smooth progress or success. It implies being caught off guard or facing an unforeseen challenge.
- For instance, “I thought everything was going smoothly, but then we hit a catch.”
- In a conversation about planning a trip, someone might say, “There’s always a catch when it comes to booking cheap flights.”
- A person discussing a failed business venture might reflect, “We were doing well, but the economic downturn was the catch that brought us down.”
38. Pitfall
A pitfall refers to a hidden or unexpected danger or difficulty that can cause failure or setback. It suggests a hidden trap or snare that one may fall into unknowingly.
- For example, “One of the pitfalls of online shopping is the risk of buying counterfeit products.”
- In a discussion about investing, someone might warn, “Beware of the pitfalls of get-rich-quick schemes.”
- A person reflecting on a failed relationship might say, “I fell into the pitfall of ignoring red flags and ended up heartbroken.”
39. Impedance
Impedance refers to any factor or condition that hinders or obstructs progress or success. It can be a physical, emotional, or intellectual obstacle that creates resistance or difficulty.
- For instance, “Lack of funding is the main impedance to starting a new business.”
- In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Fear of failure can be a significant impedance to pursuing one’s dreams.”
- A person discussing a challenging project might note, “Technical issues are causing impedance in the development process.”
40. Deterrent
A deterrent is something that discourages or prevents someone from taking a particular action. It can be a physical or psychological obstacle that deters or dissuades individuals from pursuing a certain course of action.
- For example, “High parking fees act as a deterrent for people driving into the city.”
- In a discussion about crime prevention, someone might argue, “Visible security cameras serve as a deterrent to potential burglars.”
- A person reflecting on their career choices might say, “The lack of job opportunities in my field is a deterrent to pursuing my passion.”
41. Snarl
A snarl refers to a situation where traffic becomes heavily congested, resulting in slow or stopped movement. It is often used to describe a chaotic or tangled traffic situation.
- For example, “I was late to work because there was a massive snarl on the freeway.”
- A frustrated driver might say, “I’ve been stuck in this snarl for over an hour.”
- A news report might state, “A snarl on the highway caused significant delays during rush hour.”
42. Hang-up
A hang-up refers to an obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress or causes a delay. It can also refer to a mental or emotional blockage that hinders someone from moving forward.
- For instance, “Money was a hang-up for them when it came to starting their own business.”
- A person might say, “I need to overcome my hang-ups in order to achieve my goals.”
- A therapist might help a client work through their hang-ups in order to achieve personal growth.
43. Quagmire
A quagmire refers to a difficult or complex situation that is challenging to navigate or escape from. It can also refer to a bog or swampy area that is difficult to traverse.
- For example, “The political landscape is a quagmire of conflicting interests.”
- A person might say, “I feel like I’m stuck in a quagmire and don’t know how to move forward.”
- A news article might describe a situation as a “legal quagmire” due to its complexity and lack of resolution.
44. Catcher
A catcher refers to an obstacle or barrier that prevents progress or success. It can also refer to a person or thing that catches or intercepts something.
- For instance, “Lack of funding was a catcher for their project.”
- A person might say, “I need to find a way to overcome this catcher and achieve my goals.”
- In a baseball game, a player might make an impressive catch and be referred to as a “great catcher.”
45. Speed bump
A speed bump refers to a raised portion of a road designed to slow down vehicles. It is often used metaphorically to describe a hurdle or barrier that slows down progress or causes a delay.
- For example, “Lack of funding was a speed bump in their plan to expand the business.”
- A person might say, “We encountered a few speed bumps along the way, but we eventually reached our goal.”
- A project manager might identify potential speed bumps and develop strategies to overcome them.
46. Dead end
A dead end refers to a situation or path that offers no further progress or solution. It indicates a point where one is unable to proceed any further.
- For example, “I’ve reached a dead end in my research and need to find a new approach.”
- In a discussion about career options, someone might say, “I don’t want to end up in a dead-end job.”
- A person describing a failed relationship might say, “Our communication reached a dead end and we couldn’t resolve our issues.”
47. Obstacle course
An obstacle course is a specially designed track or course that presents various challenges or hurdles to overcome. It is often used for training or as a form of physical exercise.
- For instance, “The military recruits had to complete a grueling obstacle course.”
- In a team-building activity, participants might be required to navigate through an obstacle course together.
- A fitness enthusiast might say, “I love testing my strength and agility on an obstacle course.”
48. Snafu
Snafu is an acronym that stands for “Situation Normal: All Fouled Up.” It refers to a chaotic or confused situation, often resulting from a mistake or error.
- For example, “The project was delayed due to a snafu in the supply chain.”
- A person recounting a travel mishap might say, “Our flight got canceled and it was a complete snafu.”
- In a discussion about organizational issues, someone might comment, “We need to address the snafus in our processes to improve efficiency.”
49. Tangle
Tangle refers to a situation or problem that is complicated, confusing, or difficult to resolve. It implies a state of disorder or entanglement.
- For instance, “I got myself into a tangle trying to sort out my finances.”
- In a discussion about interpersonal conflicts, someone might say, “Our disagreement quickly turned into a tangle of emotions.”
- A person describing a complicated project might say, “We’re currently untangling the various components of the plan.”
50. Gridlock
Gridlock refers to a situation where traffic is completely congested and unable to move due to a high volume of vehicles or other obstructions. It implies a state of deadlock or standstill.
- For example, “The city experienced gridlock during rush hour.”
- A person frustrated with traffic might say, “I was stuck in gridlock for hours.”
- In a discussion about political impasses, someone might comment, “The negotiations reached a gridlock and no progress was made.”
51. Brick wall
A brick wall is a solid and unyielding obstacle that is difficult to overcome. It is often used metaphorically to represent a challenge or problem that seems impossible to solve or overcome.
- For example, “I’ve hit a brick wall in my research. I can’t find any more information.”
- In a discussion about a difficult situation, one might say, “We’re facing a brick wall in our negotiations. We can’t seem to reach an agreement.”
- A person describing a challenging task might say, “Getting this project done on time feels like running into a brick wall at every turn.”
52. Stalemate
A stalemate refers to a situation where progress or movement is halted because neither side can gain an advantage or make a decision. It often occurs when there is a disagreement or impasse that prevents any further action.
- For instance, “The negotiations between the two countries reached a stalemate. Neither side was willing to compromise.”
- In a game or competition, a player might say, “We’ve been at a stalemate for the past few moves. I can’t find a winning strategy.”
- A person discussing a difficult situation might say, “We’re stuck in a stalemate. We can’t move forward until someone makes a decision.”
53. Blockage
A blockage refers to something that is blocking or obstructing a path or flow. It can be a physical barrier or a figurative obstacle that prevents progress or movement.
- For example, “There’s a blockage in the pipe, and the water won’t flow.”
- In a discussion about traffic, someone might say, “There’s a blockage on the highway. We’re stuck in a long line of cars.”
- A person describing a problem might say, “There’s a blockage in our communication. We can’t seem to understand each other.”
54. Barrier to entry
A barrier to entry refers to a restriction or obstacle that makes it difficult for someone to enter or participate in a particular field, industry, or activity. It can be a requirement, qualification, or condition that must be met before someone can gain access.
- For instance, “The high cost of equipment is a barrier to entry for many small businesses.”
- In a discussion about education, someone might say, “The entrance exam acts as a barrier to entry for students.”
- A person discussing a competitive market might say, “The strong brand presence of existing companies creates a barrier to entry for new competitors.”
55. Stumbling stone
A stumbling stone refers to an unexpected difficulty or obstacle that causes someone to stumble or struggle. It is often used metaphorically to describe a challenge or problem that hinders progress or causes setbacks.
- For example, “Lack of funding has been a stumbling stone for our project. We can’t move forward without additional resources.”
- In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Fear of failure can be a stumbling stone on the path to success.”
- A person describing a difficult task might say, “Navigating through complex regulations has been a stumbling stone for our business expansion.”
56. Hiccup
This term refers to a small or temporary obstacle or setback that disrupts progress or causes a delay. It is often used metaphorically to describe unexpected challenges or difficulties.
- For example, “We were making great progress on the project until we hit a hiccup with the budget.”
- In a conversation about travel plans, someone might say, “I had a few hiccups with my flight, but I eventually made it to my destination.”
- A student might complain, “I was doing well in the class until I hit a hiccup with the final exam.”