Phrase guide

barrier to entry

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An impediment that prohibits the use, adoption, application, etc. of (something).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively

Examples

  • The class has a number of prerequisites, so sadly there is a barrier to entry.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A cost that must be incurred by a new entrant into a market, but which does not apply to incumbents.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: business, finance

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see barrier, to, entry.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: próg wejścia — an impediment to use or application
  • Polish: próg wejścia — literally