obstacle obstacle /ˈɑːbstəkəl/

noun

1. () Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted  ( obstruction , obstacle )
   something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
    Lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement
   lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement
    The poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education
   the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education
    The filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan
   the filibuster was a major obstruction to the success of their plan
   
2. () An obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed, surmounted or circumvented)  ( obstacle )
   an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed, surmounted or circumvented)
     The runner overcame every obstacle in the race.
   The runner overcame every obstacle in the race.