writer's block

American  

noun

1. a usually temporary condition in which a writer finds it impossible to proceed with the writing of a novel, play, or other work.

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Etymology

Origin of writer's block

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

But despite his success, he was not immune to suffering from writer's block.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

But he faced bouts of writer’s block through his 20s and gave up writing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

She also explained how the writer's block she had experienced while pregnant with her first child was "terrifying".

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Since then, Musk apparently came down with a kind of writer’s block.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

In the grip of a serious case of writer's block, her life takes a fortuitous turn when she is accepted at a Jane Austen retreat after Félix secretly submits an application on her behalf.

From Salon • May 30, 2025