bottleneck Definition
- 1a narrow part of something, such as a road or pipe, where the flow of traffic or movement is slowed or stopped
- 2a point of congestion or blockage that slows down a process or system
Using bottleneck: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bottleneck" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The bottleneck on the highway caused a major traffic jam.
Example
The company's production was slowed down by a bottleneck in the assembly line.
Example
The bottleneck in the computer system caused the program to crash.
bottleneck Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for bottleneck
- constriction
- clog
- jam
- gridlock
- choke point
Antonyms for bottleneck
- clear path
- open road
Idioms Using bottleneck
at a bottleneck
in a situation where progress is slow or blocked due to a narrow or congested passage
Example
The construction project was at a bottleneck due to a shortage of materials.
a style of blues music that features the use of a bottleneck or slide guitar
Example
He played bottleneck blues with a passion that moved the audience to tears.
bottlenecked up
stuck or congested due to a bottleneck
Example
The traffic was bottlenecked up for miles due to an accident on the highway.
Phrases with bottleneck
a phenomenon in which a reduction in population size leads to a loss of genetic diversity, resulting in reduced adaptability and increased susceptibility to disease and environmental changes
Example
The bottleneck effect is a major concern for conservationists trying to protect endangered species.
a style of playing the guitar that involves using a bottleneck or slide to create a distinctive sound
Example
He played a bottleneck guitar solo that brought the audience to their feet.
a situation in which traffic is slowed or stopped due to a narrow or congested section of road
Example
The bottleneck traffic on the bridge caused a long delay for commuters.
Origins of bottleneck
from the earlier meaning 'a narrow-necked glass bottle' to describe a narrow passage in a road
Summary: bottleneck in Brief
'Bottleneck' [ˈbɑːtl.nek] refers to a narrow part of something, such as a road or pipe, where the flow of traffic or movement is slowed or stopped. It can also refer to a point of congestion or blockage that slows down a process or system. Examples include 'The bottleneck on the highway caused a major traffic jam.' and 'The company's production was slowed down by a bottleneck in the assembly line.' 'Bottleneck' extends into phrases like 'bottleneck effect,' and idioms like 'at a bottleneck,' denoting a situation where progress is slow or blocked due to a narrow or congested passage.
