noun
bottleneck
Bottleneck (noun) means a point where a process, road, or system narrows and slows everything passing through it. Example: “The single checkout lane became a bottleneck during the lunch rush.”
noun
1
A point where a process, road, or system narrows and slows everything passing through it.
"The single checkout lane became a bottleneck during the lunch rush."
"Lack of funding was the main bottleneck holding back the project."
How to use bottleneck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA point in a process, road, or system that slows everything else down because it is narrower or slower than the rest.
Common pairings
traffic bottleneck
production bottleneck
a bottleneck in the process
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Word forms
- Plural
- bottlenecks
- Third person singular
- bottlenecks
- Past tense
- bottlenecked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The single checkout lane became a _____ during the lunch rush.
Etymology
From the literal narrow neck of a bottle, extended to mean any point that restricts flow.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bottleneck” mean?
The word “bottleneck” means a point where a process, road, or system narrows and slows everything passing through it. In plain terms, a point in a process, road, or system that slows everything else down because it is narrower or slower than the rest.
How do you use “bottleneck” in a sentence?
Here is “bottleneck” used in a sentence: “The single checkout lane became a bottleneck during the lunch rush.”
What part of speech is “bottleneck”?
“Bottleneck” is a noun.
What is the meaning of bottleneck?
"bottleneck" (noun) means a point where a process, road, or system narrows and slows everything passing through it.
