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.”
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.
Word forms
bottlenecked past tense, bottlenecks plural, bottlenecks singular
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.