przeszkoda

Przeszkoda is a Polish noun referring to something that prevents, hinders, or obstructs progress. It can be a physical barrier such as a wall, a ditch, or a blocked passage, as well as an abstract impediment like bureaucratic obstacles, lack of resources, or a logistical problem. The term is used in everyday speech, sport, science, and law to denote anything that stands in the way of achieving a goal or completing a task. In sports, especially track and field and equestrian disciplines, “przeszkody” designate the obstacles that competitors must overcome during a course or event.

Etymology and grammar: Przeszkoda is a feminine noun. It is formed from the verb przeszkażać/przeszkadzać (to hinder) with the common noun-forming suffix, yielding the meaning of a thing that hinders. The standard plural form is przeszkody. Common related expressions include przebyć przeszkodę (to overcome an obstacle), napotkać przeszkodę (to encounter an obstacle), and usunąć przeszkodę (to remove an obstacle).

Usage: The word covers both tangible and intangible barriers. In everyday language one might speak of a financial or administrative przeszkoda in a project, a geological przeszkoda on a hiking route, or a personal przeszkoda in a career path. In legal or procedural contexts, terms such as przeszkody formalne or przeszkoda procesowa may appear, indicating procedural impediments that affect the course of proceedings.

Synonyms and related terms include bariera, utrudnienie, impediment, and przeszkodzenie. The concept emphasizes the presence of something that blocks progress and the need to overcome or mitigate it.