Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

stumbling block

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.34 in modern English

Syllables: stum-bling block
IPA

27

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

2

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A hindrance, obstacle or impediment; an opportunity for error.

Example Sentences

"Idioms are a common stumbling block for learners of a language."
"And by opting not to enforce the law in the recent strikes, industry leaders signalled a reluctance to aggravate a dispute in which many believe the stumbling block is not TOCs, but the Westminster government."

Etymology

Probably originally from Romans 14:13 or 1 Corinthians 8:9 in the King James Version of the Bible, translating Koine Greek πρόσκομμα (próskomma).

Inflected Forms

stumbling blocks (plural) stumbling-block (alternative) stumbling blocke (alternative)

Phrases

stumbling stock stumbling stone stepping stone building block

Frequently Paired Words

stumbling stock stumbling stone stepping stone building block

Synonyms

bar drag barrier bone in the throat bump in the road hindrance impediment obstruction obstacle encumbrance hurdle roadblock

Questions

What does stumbling block mean?: A hindrance, obstacle or impediment; an opportunity for error.
Where does stumbling block come from?: Probably originally from Romans 14:13 or 1 Corinthians 8:9 in the King James Version of the Bible, translating Koine Greek πρόσκομμα (próskomma).

How to pronounce stumbling block

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