What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hinder
Example
The bad weather hindered our progress on the road. [hindered: past tense]
Example
The lack of resources will hinder the company's growth. [hinder: verb]
obstruct
Example
The construction work obstructed the view of the ocean. [obstructed: past tense]
Example
The manager tried to obstruct the employee's promotion. [obstruct: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hinder is more commonly used than obstruct in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hinder and obstruct?
Obstruct is more formal and often used in legal or technical contexts, while hinder is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
