WordGarden.iohurdle
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɜːdəl/
US
- /ˈhɜrdəl/
Meanings
Noun
a barrier that runners or horses jump over in a race
a problem or difficulty that must be overcome
Verb
to jump over a barrier or obstacle while moving
to overcome a problem or difficulty
Beyond the definition
A hurdle is not always a physical barrier like the one you see in a race. It can be any obstacle that stands in the way of your progress, a problem to overcome, or a challenge to face. Think of learning a new skill; there will often be hurdles along the way. Sometimes you have to get over them, and sometimes you have to find a way around them.
You might meet a hurdle when trying to get funding for a project or when dealing with a personal fear. Even small things can be hurdles if they slow you down. The phrase "clear a hurdle" means to successfully get past an obstacle. For instance, a politician facing public criticism may have several hurdles to clear before the next election.
The word "hurdle" originally referred to a portable frame made of wattle or a wooden bar used in horse racing and footraces—something athletes literally jump over. Today, however, it is much more frequently used figuratively to describe any obstacle or difficulty that stands between you and your goal.
Consider the process of building a house: securing the necessary permits can be a significant hurdle. Or think of starting a new business; finding reliable investors is often a major hurdle. These aren't physical barriers, but they require effort, planning, and perseverance to navigate.
"Hurdle" can also describe something that slows down momentum. For example, "The lack of funding proved to be a serious hurdle in the project's development." This implies an impediment that requires specific action to overcome. You might even hear that someone "stumbled over a hurdle," meaning they were temporarily stopped or delayed by a specific complication.
While the word often suggests difficulty, hurdles aren't necessarily negative. They can represent opportunities for growth. Facing and overcoming hurdles builds resilience and strengthens character. So, whether you're leaping over a physical barrier or tackling a complex life problem, remember that every hurdle is a chance to prove your ability to persevere.
Examples
- 1
Track race
She hit a hurdle in the final lap and fell.
- 2
Language barrier
The language barrier was the first hurdle for the family after they moved.
- 3
Small business
Small businesses often face many hurdles when they try to expand.
- 4
Startup funding
Getting enough funding was the biggest hurdle in starting the business.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal approval
The company cleared its last legal hurdle and opened the new factory.
- Phraseclear a hurdle
deal successfully with a problem that was stopping progress
- 6
Housing costs
High prices remain a major hurdle for first-time home buyers.
- 7
Physical action
He hurdled the gate and ran into the yard.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- overcome a hurdle
- clear a hurdle
- major hurdle
- regulatory hurdle
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hurdlenounverb
Forms
- hurdlespluralnounverb
- hurdling-ing formverbnoun
- hurdledpast tenseverbnoun