language barrier

American

[lang-gwij bar-ee-er] / ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ ˌbær i ər /

noun

difficulty in communicating due to the lack of a shared language.

International adoption is not easy, especially when there is a language barrier.

Etymology

Origin of language barrier

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each character seems to understand the others dimly, as through a language barrier; each vibrates at their own frequency.

From Los Angeles Times

"There were delays, confusion and a language barrier at every turn," she added.

From BBC

And they faced other challenges, including the language barrier and an unfamiliar legal system.

From BBC

The lack of bins is the most commonly cited problem for tourists, ahead of language barriers or crowds, according to a recent survey by Japan’s tourism agency.

From The Wall Street Journal

What surprises many is the group’s ability to transcend language barriers.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023