impediment
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
Something that makes it difficult or impossible to move, progress, or succeed; a hindrance or obstruction.
A physical defect, especially in speech, such as a lisp or stutter, that hinders clear articulation. In a legal context, an impediment can be a factor preventing a marriage from being lawfully contracted.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is generally used for significant, tangible obstacles. While often physical, it can also refer to non-physical barriers (e.g., legal, procedural). The speech-related meaning is a specific, established use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition or usage. 'Impediment' is the standard spelling in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and serious in both. The speech-related meaning is equally common.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency, though slightly more common in formal, written British English (e.g., in legal or parliamentary contexts).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
an impediment to (progress/success/development)pose/be/constitute an impedimentovercome/remove an impedimentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be an impediment in the way of something”
- “to place/put impediments in someone's path”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to barriers to growth, investment, or market entry (e.g., 'regulatory impediments to trade').
Academic
Used to discuss factors that limit research, theory, or understanding (e.g., 'methodological impediments to the study').
Everyday
Most commonly heard in the phrase 'speech impediment'. Also used for general obstacles (e.g., 'The rain was an impediment to our picnic.').
Technical
In law: a condition preventing a legal act (e.g., 'an impediment to marriage'). In logistics/engineering: something blocking a process or flow.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The planning laws impede development.
- Nothing shall impede the course of justice.
American English
- Heavy traffic impedes the flow of vehicles.
- Regulations should not impede innovation.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverb form derived from 'impediment'.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverb form derived from 'impediment'.
adjective
British English
- Impeditive factors were carefully analysed in the report. (rare/archaic)
- The legislation had an impedient effect.
American English
- N/A - 'Impedimental' is extremely rare and not standard. Use 'hindering' or 'obstructive'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a speech impediment.
- The bad weather was an impediment to our game.
- Lack of funding is a major impediment to the project.
- She overcame her impediment with hard work and therapy.
- The new regulations could pose a significant impediment to international trade.
- There are no legal impediments to the merger proceeding.
- The study aimed to identify the structural impediments to economic growth in the region.
- His taciturn nature proved to be an impediment in his political career, not a virtue.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of IMPEDE (to block) + MENT (the result). An IMPEDIMENT is the result of something impeding you.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY / AN IMPEDIMENT IS AN OBSTACLE ON THE PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инвестимент' (investment).
- The Russian word 'препятствие' is a good general equivalent, but does not cover the specific 'speech impediment' meaning, which is 'дефект речи' or 'нарушение речи'.
- Avoid using 'помеха' for formal contexts; it is too broad and informal.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'impedement' or 'impeddiment'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It impediments progress' – incorrect; should be 'It impedes progress' or 'It is an impediment to progress').
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'problem' or 'difficulty' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'impediment' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Impediment' is more formal and often implies a more intrinsic or enduring barrier. 'Obstacle' is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. A speech impediment is a fixed condition; a fallen tree on a road is an obstacle.
No. The verb form is 'impede'. 'Impediment' is only a noun. You impede progress; a problem is an impediment to progress.
Yes, it is the standard, neutral, and respectful clinical and everyday term for conditions like stuttering or a lisp.
There is no common, modern adjective. 'Impedimental' exists but is archaic. Use phrases like 'hindering', 'obstructive', or 'acting as an impediment' instead.