What does "congestion" mean?

1. (traffic) when there are too many vehicles on the road, causing traffic to move very slowly or stop. 2. (medical/nasal) a blocked feeling in your nose or chest, usually caused by a cold or illness. 3. (general overcrowding) a situation where any space or system is too full, making it hard for things to flow.

How do you use "congestion"?

Often used as an uncountable noun in the context of urban planning and transport. Commonly occurs in the phrases 'nasal congestion' or 'chest congestion'.

congestion

US //kənˈdʒɛstʃən// UK //kəndʒˈɛstʃən// con·ges·tion

1 traffic (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

when there are too many vehicles on the road, causing traffic to move very slowly or stop.

the state of being overcrowded with vehicles, resulting in reduced speeds and increased queuing.

Example

The new highway was built to reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.

Example

Urban planners are increasingly turning to congestion pricing as a mechanism to discourage private vehicle use during peak commuting hours.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in the context of urban planning and transport.
2 medical/nasal (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

a blocked feeling in your nose or chest, usually caused by a cold or illness.

the abnormal accumulation of fluid, such as blood or mucus, in a part of the body.

Example

He used a nasal spray to help clear his congestion so he could sleep better.

Example

The patient presented with severe nasal congestion and a persistent cough, suggesting a secondary bacterial infection following the initial virus.

Usage

Commonly occurs in the phrases 'nasal congestion' or 'chest congestion'.
- blockage
- stuffiness

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3 general overcrowding (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a situation where any space or system is too full, making it hard for things to flow.

the state of being overfilled or overcrowded, leading to a hindrance of passage or function.

Example

The congestion at the airport gates caused many passengers to miss their flights.

Example

The sudden surge in data requests led to significant network congestion, causing the server to time out for several hours.
- overcrowding
- clogging

Origin

From late Middle English congestioun, from Old French [Term?], from Latin congestĭō (“heap, accumulation”), from congerō (“to bring together, accumulate, heap up”), formed by the root gerō (“to carry”) and the prefix con-.