What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bottleneck
Example
The accident caused a bottleneck on the highway, causing a long line of cars. [bottleneck: noun]
Example
The increased demand for the product created a bottleneck in the production process. [bottleneck: noun]
constriction
Example
The snake's constriction of its prey was a fascinating sight. [constriction: noun]
Example
She felt a constriction in her chest as she anxiously waited for the test results. [constriction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bottleneck is more commonly used than constriction in everyday language, especially in business and transportation contexts. Constriction is more specialized and tends to be used in specific fields such as medicine or psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bottleneck and constriction?
Both bottleneck and constriction can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, bottleneck is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more formal in some cases.
