impediment

noun

im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈpe-də-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
1
: something that impedes
especially : an impairment (such as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speech
2
: a bar or hindrance (such as lack of sufficient age) to a lawful marriage

Did you know?

Impediment comes from a Latin verb that meant "to interfere with" or "to get in the way of progress", as if by tripping up the feet of someone walking. In English, impediment still suggests an obstruction or obstacle along a path; for example, a lack of adequate roads and bridges would be called an impediment to economic development. Impediments usually get in the way of something we want. So we may speak of an impediment to communication, marriage, or progress--but something that slows the progress of aging, disease, or decay is rarely called an impediment.

Examples of impediment in a Sentence

tough going for the burros on the canyon trail, even without the added impediment of heavy loads
Recent Examples on the Web Members would trip over invisible impediments, interfering with the surrounding foot traffic, compelling people to scrutinize their surroundings. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 But local impediments and bans threaten U.S. renewable energy goals Local governments have blocked new wind and solar projects through bans, moratoriums, construction limits and other policies that make new plants difficult to build. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Looking ahead is necessary to avoid potholes and other impediments for a smooth journey forward. Linda McNamar, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 The housing crisis is the main impediment to continued prosperity and quality of life in San Diego and California. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 Emotional impediments take center stage halfway through the fourth and final season when Logan dies unexpectedly. Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024 But more extreme setback requirements can create significant impediments to wind power, often acting as a de facto ban. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 While the active fighting is a major impediment to distributing food, the WFP cited crime and banditry as a significant issue as well. NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 Trade-war tariff increases aside, traditional tariff barriers to goods have become relatively minor direct impediments to trade, outside of some significant exceptions, particularly in agriculture and developing economies. Bybørge Brende, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impediment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impediment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near impediment

Cite this Entry

“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impediment. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impediment

noun
im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈped-ə-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
1
: something that impedes
2
: a defect in speech

Medical Definition

impediment

noun
im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈped-ə-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
: something that impedes
children with deafness or hearing impediments
especially : an impairment (as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speech

Legal Definition

impediment

noun
im·​ped·​i·​ment im-ˈpe-də-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
: something that prevents or interferes with a process, power, or right
should have known of the legal impediments to the execution of any judgment against the police juryPenalber v. Blount, 550 So. 2d 577 (1989)
specifically : a bar to the formation of a valid contract or marriage compare nullity

More from Merriam-Webster on impediment

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