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.
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 The factory’s outdated machinery created a production bottleneck.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.