What Is Another Way to Say “Bumps in the Road”?

Looking for synonyms for bumps in the road? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say bumps in the road.

  • Obstacles
  • Challenges
  • Hurdles
  • Setbacks
  • Difficulties
  • Complications
  • Snags
  • Hindrances
  • Impediments
  • Roadblocks

Want to learn how to say bumps in the road professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Obstacles

Used to describe any situation or item that blocks one’s path or makes progress difficult.
Example: “The startup faced several obstacles in its early stages, including securing funding and finding the right talent.”

2. Challenges

Refers to situations or tasks that are difficult and require effort to overcome.
Example: “Adapting to the rapidly changing market demands remains one of the biggest challenges for our industry.”

3. Hurdles

Similar to obstacles but often implies a problem to be overcome that, once passed, allows for more straightforward progress.
Example: “Regulatory approval was a significant hurdle for the new pharmaceutical product.”

4. Setbacks

Refers to events or issues that cause a delay or reversal in progress.
Example: “The project experienced a setback when the lead engineer resigned unexpectedly.”

5. Difficulties

A broad term for situations that are not easy to deal with or overcome.
Example: “The team encountered difficulties in integrating the new software with existing systems.”

6. Complications

Situations or factors that make a problem harder to solve or a condition worse.
Example: “Complications arose during the merger due to unforeseen legal issues.”

7. Snags

Informal term for unexpected difficulties or obstacles, often minor but annoying.
Example: “We hit a few snags in the planning phase, but we’re back on track now.”

8. Hindrances

Anything that makes progress difficult or slow.
Example: “Lack of clear communication was a major hindrance to completing the project on time.”

9. Impediments

Formal term for something that impedes or obstructs progress.
Example: “Financial constraints are the main impediment to expanding our research and development efforts.”

10. Roadblocks

Significant obstacles that stop progress entirely until they can be overcome or removed.
Example: “Encountering bureaucratic roadblocks, the company had to revise its expansion strategy.”

Linda Brown