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

The construction is expected to ease congestion on the Northern Corridor -- connecting the port of Mombasa to Western Kenya and neighbouring countries -- which handles 40 percent of Kenya's port trade traffic.

Read more on Barron's

Modern urban areas continue to gain and lose residents for many reasons, including economic pressures, congestion, lifestyle shifts, pollution and, at times, major public health events.

Read more on Science Daily

Critics dispute air taxi company claims that their services could ease congestion as passengers will still have to take a car to and from the takeoff and landing points.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In London, drivers of electric vehicles will have to pay the congestion charge from 2026.

Read more on BBC

The Premier League has agreed to move games involving Arsenal and Crystal Palace in December to ease fixture congestion.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bottleneck 
• overpopulation 
• traffic jam