阻力 (zǔlì) literally means 'obstructing force' — 阻 (zǔ) means 'to block or hinder', and 力 (lì) means 'force or power'. Together, they form a noun describing any force that opposes motion, change, or progress. In physics, it commonly refers to physical resistance like air resistance or friction; in social or abstract contexts, it describes opposition to ideas, reforms, or personal growth — for example, cultural resistance to new policies or psychological resistance to change.

The term is neutral in tone but often carries a slightly negative connotation because it implies an obstacle. It appears frequently in scientific, medical, political, and psychological discourse. Unlike colloquial terms like 麻烦 (trouble) or 难题 (problem), 阻力 emphasizes the active, opposing nature of the barrier — not just difficulty, but something pushing back. It’s typically used with verbs like 增加 (increase), 减少 (reduce), or 遇到 (encounter).