Difference between Obstacle and Hindrance

Key difference: They are commonly used words to express obstructions. Obstacles are a block providing obstructions, while hindrance provides obstructions to delay .

An obstacle means ‘any structure that makes progress difficult’.

An obstacle is an obstruction which provides a break in the motion of objects. Obstacles act to stop the work, and thereby reduce the speed of the progress. Smaller obstacles can slow down the flow of the work.

They are generally immaterial things which provide a disturbance to the work. They can be overcome by their respective solving techniques. An obstacle is something which usually stops one for some duration of time. It acts as interruption inbetween the source and the destination.

The meaning of the word hindrance means ‘a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone’.

A hindrance is something which provides a disturbance in the form of a delay. It is a form of an interruption which causes the delay. Hindrances are small disturbances, which are supposed to be solved by appropriate methods. If not solved, they may turn into bigger problems.

Hindrances can also said to provide warnings in any work. They are the signs of alertness. They can be solved on their first symptoms. Hindrances provides instability if they occur repetitively.

Comparison between Obstacle and Hindrance:

 

Obstacle

Hindrance

Definition

‘Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted’.

‘A factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result’.

Signs

Obstacles are the result, which have to be faced.

Hindrances are preventive signs.

Roles

They provide a block in the flow of any object.

They provide delay in the activity of something.

Solution

They can be overcome after being faced.

They can be overcome before their arrival.

Example

For example: a huge stone acts as an obstacle in the middle of the road.

For example: an untied shoelace while walking acts as a hindrance.

Image Courtesy: pwoessner.com, releasingtheword.com

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