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Bottleneck - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A bottleneck is a point of congestion that slows down a process, like traffic narrowing to one lane or a delay in production. It restricts flow and efficiency.

bottleneck

/ˈbɑtəlˌnɛk/ /ˈbɒtəlˌnɛk/

Definition:

A point of congestion or obstruction that slows down progress or movement.

Synonyms:

obstruction, blockage, choke point, jam

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

free flow, smooth passage

Common Collocations:

traffic bottleneck, production bottleneck, bottleneck effect, bottleneck situation

Derivatives:

bottlenecks (plural), bottlenecked (past tense)

Usage Tips:

Use "bottleneck" to describe delays in processes or systems; avoid overusing it for minor slowdowns.

Common Phrases:

bottleneck effect, bottleneck in production, create a bottleneck

Etymology:

Derived from the literal neck of a bottle, symbolizing a narrow passage restricting flow.

Examples:

  • 1. The traffic bottleneck caused a long delay on the highway.
  • 2. Our project hit a bottleneck when supplies ran low.
  • 3. The factory’s outdated machinery created a production bottleneck.
  • 4. To avoid bottlenecks, streamline your workflow efficiently.

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