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

Flight delays and cancellations, while disruptive to individual travelers, are actually good from a system perspective, because they prevent congestion in the airspace.

Read more on Salon

The plan is aimed at cutting congestion and encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport when travelling in and around the city.

Read more on BBC

"Grid congestion is putting the future of the Dutch chemical industry at risk… while in other countries it will be easier to invest," says the President of the Dutch Chemical Association Nienke Homan.

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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

Related Words

• bottleneck 
• overpopulation 
• traffic jam