1. something that makes progress or movement difficult or impossible; an obstacle or hindrance
2. a defect in speech, such as a stutter or lisp
Usage: medical

Examples

• The fallen tree was a major impediment to traffic on the highway.
• Lack of funding proved to be the biggest impediment to the project’s success.
• She overcame her speech impediment through years of therapy.
• Bad weather was an impediment to our hiking plans.
• The new regulations created impediments for small businesses.
• His stutter was a minor impediment that didn’t affect his confidence.
• Legal challenges became impediments to the construction project.