Word
blacklist
Phoneticsblack·list, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫæˌkɫɪst/
UK/blˈæklɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a list of people, groups, or things that are blocked or punished because they are seen as bad or untrustworthy. If you are on this list, you might be banned from a service or a job.
n. a register of entities, such as individuals, organisations, or digital addresses, that are excluded from certain privileges, services, or access due to perceived unreliability or misconduct.
Examples
“The company put the unreliable supplier on their blacklist.”
“After several failed login attempts from that IP address, the security system automatically added it to the server's blacklist.”
“During the mid-20th century, many writers and actors were placed on a political blacklist, which effectively barred them from employment within the major film studios for over a decade.”
Examples
simple
“The company put the unreliable supplier on their blacklist.”
contextual
“After several failed login attempts from that IP address, the security system automatically added it to the server's blacklist.”
complex
“During the mid-20th century, many writers and actors were placed on a political blacklist, which effectively barred them from employment within the major film studios for over a decade.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'to put on', 'to add to', or 'to be on'.
Real-World Examples
“The Germans said more blacklists of Russians will be drafted and tighter controls of Russians trying to enter Germany will be carried out.” “Iran has drawn up a blacklist of about 48 ships that it will try to ban or fine.” “New lists of people on a blacklist would be drawn up and tighter border controls of Russians entering Germany would be carried out, Wadephul said.” Etymology
From black + list.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/blacklist