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show-stopper

show-stopper

1 6.6
A serious problem that stops a plan, product, or event from going ahead
  • noun
  • /ˈʃoʊˌstɑːpər/
translation icon : obstáculo
  • If you truly feel that this one bug is a huge show-stopper today, then join the Working Group and take ownership of the bug.

That just was a note that was a show stopper.

Examples

  • Personally, I think this little operation's gonna be a show stopper.

  • The defective part was a major show-stopper that delayed the project for weeks.

  • I actually had my first near show stopper just yesterday.

  • And even if Apple weren't involved, we should not have seen such a huge show-stopper of a bug in a framework that touts that it avoids cross-browser issues.

    Blog text (22)
  • In the meeting, the lack of funding was identified as a potential show-stopper for the initiative.

  • The broken software feature became a serious show-stopper, preventing us from launching on time.

Synonyms

roadblock
vsshow-stopper
50 3.9

A problem that stops progress or makes a goal hard to reach

is the term for a problem that halts completion rather than only hinders progress
stumbling block
vsshow-stopper
18 4.4

A problem that stops progress or makes moving forward difficult

is a more serious obstacle that can stop plans completely rather than slow them
hang-up
vsshow-stopper
16 5.9

An unexpected problem that stops progress in a plan or process

is any serious problem blocking a plan or event not only sudden difficulties
stopper
vsshow-stopper
9 5.3

Something that suddenly stops an activity or makes people silent

is a much more serious barrier that prevents finishing plans or events
showstopper
vsshow-stopper
  • Jargon
1 6.3

A serious software problem that stops a product being released until fixed

is the general term for blocking problems across events and products
unexpected roadblock
vsshow-stopper
4.2

A sudden problem that stops progress and causes delay

is broader covering any serious problem that prevents completion not only sudden ones
spanner in the plan
vsshow-stopper
  • UK
7.0

A sudden problem that stops plans from happening

is used for very serious faults that prevent completion rather than just disrupt

Antonyms

1.0

Getting what you want after working hard

2.1

An answer to a problem or a way to deal with a difficult situation

How Serious

deal-breaker
  • Informal
30 3.7
show-stopper
1 6.6
roadblock
50 3.9
problem
1.2
setback
148 3.6
issue
3.0

Surface Forms

show-stopper singular
show-stoppers plural

Morphology

show-stopper = show + stopper (semi-transparent) = show + stopp + er

The immediate compound 'show stopper' is a straightforward combination of 'show' and 'stopper'.

Etymology

A helpful way to remember the other meaning of show-stopper is to think of a 'stopper' that halts a show; a big problem can 'stop' a plan in the same way. So it also means a serious problem or obstacle that prevents something from going ahead.