What does roadblock mean?
A roadblock is something that prevents people from making progress or completing a plan. The term is especially common in discussions of politics, business, law, education, and personal projects, where it describes a serious or unexpected obstacle: for example, a funding shortage may be a roadblock to launching a new service. A roadblock can be overcome, encountered, hit, or removed, but it often suggests a difficulty requiring negotiation or a change of direction. The expression also has a literal meaning: a physical barrier placed across a road to stop or slow traffic. Although the figurative meaning is usually somewhat informal, it is firmly established in standard English and is often more vivid than the more general words obstacle or impediment.
An obstacle that prevents progress, especially in a plan, undertaking, or negotiation.
"The lack of agreement between the two departments was a serious roadblock to progress."
Common in figurative contexts involving organizations, projects, and negotiations.
A physical barrier placed across a road to stop or control traffic.
"A roadblock prevented the vehicles from entering the town."
The literal sense is more specific and less common than the figurative sense.
To obstruct progress or prevent a plan or activity from moving forward.
"The unexpected costs roadblocked the entire project."
Less common and somewhat informal; the verb is especially used in American English.
The plural is used for both literal barriers and figurative obstacles.
"The negotiators overcame several roadblocks before reaching an agreement."
A roadblock originally meant a barrier on a road; today it is the figurative obstacle that can stop an idea, plan, or team from moving forward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roadblock come from?
The word is an English compound formed from road and block. Its literal sense reflects a block or barrier placed on a roadway, while the figurative sense developed by analogy with an obstruction that prevents movement or progress. The underlying word block comes from Old English and is related to words such as blockade and blockage, while road is an Old English term for a route or way used by travelers.
Related word forms
How roadblock is actually used
The figurative sense is common in formal and informal English. When referring to an obstacle to progress, it is often used with words such as major, serious, potential, or unforeseen. The literal sense is chiefly used for a barrier erected on a road.