hurdle

[ˈhɜːrdl]

hurdle Definition

  • 1an upright frame, typically one of a series, that athletes in a race must jump over
  • 2a problem or difficulty that must be overcome

Using hurdle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hurdle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He cleared the hurdle with ease.

  • Example

    The biggest hurdle to success is often fear of failure.

  • Example

    The company faces several hurdles in its attempt to expand overseas.

hurdle Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using hurdle

  • jump/hop over hurdles

    to overcome obstacles or difficulties

    Example

    The team had to jump over many hurdles to complete the project on time.

  • a high/low hurdle to clear

    a difficult or easy obstacle to overcome

    Example

    The lack of funding was a high hurdle to clear for the startup.

  • to do something quickly and without much thought or preparation

    Example

    I had to hurdle through my homework to finish it before the deadline.

Phrases with hurdle

  • hurdles race

    a track and field event in which runners must jump over a series of hurdles

    Example

    She won the gold medal in the hurdles race at the Olympics.

  • to overcome a problem or difficulty

    Example

    We need to clear this hurdle before we can move forward with the project.

  • the minimum rate of return required by an investor or fund manager before they will consider investing in a project

    Example

    The hurdle rate for this project is 10%.

Origins of hurdle

from Old English 'hyrdel', meaning 'fence'

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Summary: hurdle in Brief

The term 'hurdle' [ˈhɜːrdl] refers to an upright frame that athletes must jump over in a race, as well as a problem or difficulty that must be overcome. It can be used in phrases like 'clear a hurdle,' meaning to overcome a problem, and 'hurdles race,' a track and field event. Idioms include 'jump/hop over hurdles,' meaning to overcome obstacles, and 'a high/low hurdle to clear,' referring to a difficult or easy obstacle.

How do native speakers use this expression?