obstacle race
C1Formal, journalistic, metaphorical.
Definition
Meaning
A physical competition in which participants must navigate through a series of physical obstacles.
Any challenging process involving successive difficulties to overcome; metaphorically, any situation with a series of problems.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a sporting event, but high metaphorical use in business and politics contexts to describe challenging processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In literal sense, 'obstacle race' is the standard term in UK; in US, 'obstacle course' is more common. The metaphorical use is understood in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Can imply a formal, organised sporting event; metaphorical use carries a sense of persistence against bureaucracy. US: Metaphorical use can be more dramatic or intense.
Frequency
Higher literal frequency in UK. Metaphorical frequency roughly equal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to run an obstacle raceto navigate an obstacle race of [problems]the obstacle race that is [process]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life is an obstacle race.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Getting planning permission was an obstacle race of paperwork and meetings.
Academic
The peer-review process can feel like an intellectual obstacle race.
Everyday
Getting the kids ready for school this morning was a complete obstacle race.
Technical
The term is used in sports science to describe events like Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She obstacle-raced her way through the administrative nightmare.
- They spent the afternoon obstacle racing in the park.
American English
- He obstacle-raced through the permitting process.
- We're obstacle racing next weekend for charity.
adverb
British English
- He proceeded obstacle-racely through the forms.
- They moved obstacle-race slow through the mud.
American English
- She tackled the project obstacle-race style.
- We progressed obstacle-race fast through the first hurdles.
adjective
British English
- The obstacle-race event was sold out.
- He has an obstacle-race mentality.
American English
- She's into obstacle-race training.
- It was an obstacle-race kind of day.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children ran in an obstacle race at school.
- The new park has a fun obstacle race for families.
- Applying for a visa turned into a bureaucratic obstacle race.
- The legislative process is often characterised as a political obstacle race, with each stage presenting a new veto point.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an OBSTACLE RACE: you face many OBSTACLES as you RACE to the finish.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A RACE; PROBLEMS ARE OBSTACLES; A PROCESS IS A PHYSICAL COURSE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as 'гонка препятствий' if referring to a metaphorical process—it may sound unnatural. In metaphorical contexts, 'полоса препятствий' (obstacle course) is more common for a difficult process.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'obstacle racing' (the sport/activity) when 'obstacle race' (the event) is meant. Confusing with 'hurdle race' (athletics track event).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'obstacle race' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'obstacle race' is the competitive event itself. An 'obstacle course' is the physical setup or path of obstacles. Often used interchangeably, but 'course' focuses on the layout, 'race' on the competition.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'We obstacle-raced through the paperwork'), but it's less common than the noun form.
It is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in journalism and business contexts, to vividly describe a complex, multi-stage challenge.
Not exactly. A 'hurdle race' is a specific track and field event with uniform, lightweight barriers. An 'obstacle race' implies a variety of more substantial, often unconventional physical challenges (e.g., walls, mud, ropes).