hurdle

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/ˈhɝː.dəl/
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A light barrier to jump or fence with, and by extension a problem to overcome or the act of jumping over or getting past one.
Practice using hurdle in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The team hurdled the legal problem and released the product.
  • The old pen was made from wooden hurdles.
  • Getting approval from the board remained the final hurdle.
  • The child hurdled over a puddle for fun.
  • The horse cleared the hurdle cleanly.

Similar words

obstacle
overcome
obstacle
conquer
stumbling block
spring
clear
bound
challenge
surmount

Meanings

Barrier to jump or block with

noun
sports
neutral
A light frame, fence, or portable barrier, especially one that runners or horses jump over in a race.

Examples

  • The runner clipped the final hurdle but stayed on her feet.
  • Volunteers carried the hurdles to the side of the track.
  • The horse cleared the hurdle cleanly.
  • A broken hurdle delayed the start of the race.
  • The old pen was made from wooden hurdles.
  • Each hurdle had to be set at the correct height before the event.

Similar words

barrier
fence
obstacle
frame
rail
panel

Problem to overcome

noun
everyday
neutral
A difficulty or obstacle that must be dealt with before progress can continue.

Examples

  • Funding was the biggest hurdle for the project.
  • The startup cleared a major regulatory hurdle.
  • Language was an early hurdle when she moved abroad.
  • The team faced several legal hurdles before the launch.
  • Getting approval from the board remained the final hurdle.
  • A high hurdle rate made the investment harder to justify.

Similar words

obstacle
barrier
difficulty
impediment
stumbling block
challenge
snag

Jump over

verb
physical
neutral
To leap over a hurdle, fence, or other obstacle, especially while running.

Examples

  • She hurdled the fence and kept running.
  • The athlete hurdles smoothly when his stride is right.
  • The horse hurdled the barrier without touching it.
  • He hurdled a fallen branch on the trail.
  • Runners learn to hurdle without slowing down.
  • The child hurdled over a puddle for fun.

Similar words

jump
leap
clear
vault
bound
spring

Get past a problem

verb
everyday
neutral
To overcome a difficulty or obstacle and continue toward a goal.

Examples

  • The team hurdled the legal problem and released the product.
  • Small exporters must hurdle complex paperwork before shipping goods.
  • The candidate hurdled early doubts and won the nomination.
  • They hurdled the funding gap with a short-term loan.
  • The school hurdled staffing problems before classes began.
  • She hurdles setbacks without losing focus.

Similar words

overcome
surmount
clear
get past
conquer
deal with

Etymology

From Old English hyrdel, a frame of intertwined twigs used as a temporary barrier, related to hyrd meaning door.

FAQ

What does hurdle mean as a noun?

Hurdle can mean a light barrier or frame, especially one jumped over in a race.

How is hurdle used figuratively?

A hurdle is a difficulty that must be cleared before progress can continue.

What does hurdle mean as a verb?

To hurdle is to jump over a barrier, or figuratively to overcome a problem.

Is hurdles a race?

Yes. The hurdles is a race in which runners jump over a series of hurdles.

What is a hurdle rate?

A hurdle rate is a minimum required return before an investment or project is acceptable.

What is the past tense of hurdle?

The past tense is hurdled, and the present participle is hurdling.

Where does hurdle come from?

Hurdle comes from Old English hyrdel, a woven frame used as a temporary barrier.

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