obstacle

noun

1. something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   Lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement.

   The poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education.

   Synonyms obstruction

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)

   noun.artifact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral.

   noun

   Source: webster1913