English Reference
Noun

blacklist

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈbɫæˌkɫɪst/ UK /blˈæklɪst/ black·list UK spelling blacklists Computing Law

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.


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'.

The Germans said more blacklists of Russians will be drafted and tighter controls of Russians trying to enter Germany will be carried out.

Toronto Sun· 1 Sept 2026

Iran has drawn up a blacklist of about 48 ships that it will try to ban or fine.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

From black + list.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated