Semantic barriers are obstacles in communication that distort the meaning of a message being sent in some way other than how it was intended. Semantics is the study of meaning, signs, and symbols used for communication. Semantic barriers arise when the information is not in simple language and contains words or symbols that have multiple meanings. There are two types of semantic barriers: denotative barriers and connotative barriers. Denotative barriers are based on the actual meaning of words, while connotative barriers are based on the associations people have with words. Examples of semantic barriers include the use of technical jargon, different interpretations of symbols, and differences in dialect and cultural differences. Semantic barriers can create significant challenges in the workplace, contributing to issues with coworkers, underperformance, and difficulty establishing a workplace culture. To overcome semantic barriers, individuals must recognize that others may have different perspectives and try to understand them.