Bottleneck — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun verb /ˈbä-tᵊl-ˌnek/ bot·tle·neck

Meaning & Definition of Bottleneck

Bottleneck (adjective)

  1. narrow

Bottleneck (noun)

  1. a narrow route
  2. a point of traffic congestion
  3. someone or something that slows or halts free movement and progress

Bottleneck (verb)

  1. to slow or halt by causing a bottleneck

Bottleneck (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement

    "a bottleneck inevitably forms at the start of a construction zone when the highway narrows from three to two lanes"

    similar: backup, jam, jam-up, logjam, snarl, tailback (British), tie-up
    related: tangle, gridlock, lock, congestion, traffic, crawl, delay, slowdown, stoppage

Bottleneck (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in tight, close

    similar: close, compressed, condensed, constricted, contracted, squeezed, tight, tightened, attenuate, attenuated, elongate, linear, lanky, rangy, reedy, shoestring, spindly, stalky, stringy, twiggy, willowy, wispy, fine, hairline, narrow, needlelike, paper-thin, skinny, slender, slim, slim-jim, thin, ultrathin, lank, spare
    opposite: broad, fat, wide, chunky, squat, stocky, stumpy, thick, thickset, bulky, massive, voluminous, thickish, widish

Bottleneck (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in impede, hinder

    similar: baffle, balk, block, blockade, clog, dam, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, obstruct, snag, stem, arrest, bring up, catch, check, draw up, fetch up, halt, hold up, pull up, stall, stay, still, stop, conclude, cut off, end, terminate, call, discontinue, suspend, choke off, rein (in), repress, squash, squelch, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back
    opposite: carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep (on), keep up, persist, run on, advance, fare, go along, march, move, proceed, progress, wend, actuate, budge, drive, goad, impel, propel, push, spur, stir

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Bottleneck

The most common words with a similar meaning to Bottleneck:

British: tailback
backup, jam, jam-up, logjam, snarl, tie-up, close, compressed, condensed, constricted, contracted, squeezed, tight, tightened, attenuate, attenuated, elongate, linear, lanky, rangy, reedy, shoestring, spindly, stalky, stringy, twiggy, willowy, wispy, fine, hairline, narrow, needlelike, paper-thin, skinny, slender, slim, slim-jim, thin, ultrathin, lank

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Bottleneck

Words with the opposite meaning of Bottleneck:

broad, fat, wide, chunky, squat, stocky, stumpy, thick, thickset, bulky, massive, voluminous, thickish, widish, carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep (on), keep up, persist, run on, advance, fare, go along, march, move, proceed, progress, wend, actuate

Related Words for Bottleneck

tangle, gridlock, lock, congestion, traffic, crawl, delay, slowdown, stoppage

Word Forms of Bottleneck

Inflections: bottlenecks, bottlenecked, bottlenecking

Origin & Etymology of Bottleneck

First known use: 1854

Frequently Asked Questions about Bottleneck

What does "Bottleneck" mean?

"Bottleneck" means narrow. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: narrow. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Bottleneck"?

Other words for "Bottleneck" include backup, jam, jam-up, logjam, snarl, tailback, tie-up and close. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Bottleneck" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Bottleneck"?

There are 94 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Bottleneck". Common alternatives include backup, jam, jam-up, logjam, snarl, tailback, tie-up, close, compressed and condensed.

What is the opposite of "Bottleneck"?

Antonyms of "Bottleneck" include broad, fat, wide, chunky, squat, stocky, stumpy and thick.

How do you use "Bottleneck" in a sentence?

Examples of "Bottleneck" in a sentence: "a bottleneck inevitably forms at the start of a construction zone when the highway narrows from three to two lanes".

Is "Bottleneck" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Bottleneck" can be used as an adjective, a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Bottleneck"?

"Bottleneck" is pronounced /ˈbä-tᵊl-ˌnek/ and divided into syllables as bot·tle·neck.

What is the origin of the word "Bottleneck"?

First known use: 1854.