obstructiveness
|ob-struc-tive-ness|
🇺🇸
/əbˈstrʌktɪvnəs/
🇬🇧
/ɒbˈstrʌktɪvnəs/
quality or tendency to block/hinder
Etymology
'obstructiveness' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'obstruere', where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'struere' meant 'to pile up or build'; English formed 'obstruct' from these roots, then the adjective 'obstructive' and the noun with the suffix '-ness' produced 'obstructiveness'.
'obstructiveness' developed from Latin 'obstruere' → Late Latin/Medieval Latin past participle 'obstructus' → Old French/Medieval forms (e.g. 'obstruire') → Middle English 'obstruct' → adjective 'obstructive' → noun 'obstructiveness' with English suffix '-ness'.
Initially it referred to the action of 'piling up against' or physically blocking ('to block, pile up against'); over time this evolved into the abstract quality or tendency of causing obstruction or hindrance, which is the modern meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or tendency of being obstructive; a disposition to hinder, delay, or prevent progress or action.
Her obstructiveness in the negotiations frustrated the committee's efforts to reach an agreement.
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Noun 2
the degree or state of physically blocking passage or access; the condition of being blocked or clogged.
The obstructiveness of the fallen trees made the road impassable until crews cleared the debris.
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Last updated: 2025/11/16 12:52