Impediment
/ɪmˈpedɪmənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
/ɪmˈpedɪmənt/
Something that delays or prevents progress.
The high cost of materials was an impediment to their project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to run a race, but there's a big rock in the middle of the track. That rock is an impediment – something that slows you down or stops you from finishing.
👶 For kids: Something that makes it hard to do something.
More Examples
A language barrier can be a major impediment when traveling.
His shyness proved to be an impediment to making new friends.
How It's Used
"His lack of experience was a significant impediment to his promotion."
"The judge ruled that the evidence was an impediment to a fair trial."
"A speech impediment can make communication difficult."
A physical defect that makes speaking difficult or impossible.
/ɪmˈpedɪmənt/
A physical defect that makes speaking difficult
He had a speech impediment that made it hard to pronounce certain words.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people have a hard time speaking because their body doesn't work quite right. It's like having a glitch in your words. That glitch is an impediment.
👶 For kids: Something that makes it hard to talk right.
More Examples
The therapist worked with her to overcome her speech impediment.
How It's Used
"The speech impediment made him hard to understand."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *impedīmentum* meaning 'an obstacle, hindrance,' from *impedīre* 'to shackle the feet, entangle, hinder,' from *in-* 'in' + *pedes* (plural of *pes*) 'foot'.
Historically used in legal and military contexts to describe obstacles to actions or movements.
Memory tip
Think of it as something that prevents you from proceeding or advancing.
Word Origin
"foot"