congestion

[kuhn-jes-chuhn]

noun

1. overcrowding; clogging.

   severe traffic congestion.

2. an excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part or blood vessel.

   pulmonary congestion.

congestion

/ kənˈdʒɛstʃən /

noun

1. the state of being overcrowded, esp with with traffic or people

2. the state of being overloaded or clogged with blood

3. the state of being blocked with mucus

Other Word Forms

• noncongestion noun
• precongestion noun
• supercongestion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of congestion¹

From the Latin word congestiō, dating back to 1585–95. See congest, -ion

Example Sentences

Mr. Cuomo has flipped back and forth on whether he supports the controversial congestion toll to enter parts of Manhattan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We expect a normal situation on October 12, with no congestion issues," France's interior ministry said, but acknowledged the system will be a "major challenge" for one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Read more on Barron's

This includes simpler tax laws, targeted incentives such as special start-up visas and fixing other more fundamental problems such as poor physical infrastructure and urban congestion.

Read more on BBC

“Southern California area has got a lot of challenges in terms of congestion on the roadway,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gen Tedman said he was "really worried" about what was happening in space – not just the threats but the increasing congestion.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bottleneck 
• overpopulation 
• traffic jam