Word
congestion
Phoneticscon·ges·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈdʒɛstʃən/
UK/kəndʒˈɛstʃən/
Definitions
01traffic
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. when there are too many vehicles on the road, causing traffic to move very slowly or stop.
n. the state of being overcrowded with vehicles, resulting in reduced speeds and increased queuing.
“The new highway was built to reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.”
“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.
Synonyms
02medical/nasal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. a blocked feeling in your nose or chest, usually caused by a cold or illness.
n. the abnormal accumulation of fluid, such as blood or mucus, in a part of the body.
“He used a nasal spray to help clear his congestion so he could sleep better.”
“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'.
Synonyms
03general overcrowding
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. a situation where any space or system is too full, making it hard for things to flow.
n. the state of being overfilled or overcrowded, leading to a hindrance of passage or function.
“The congestion at the airport gates caused many passengers to miss their flights.”
“The sudden surge in data requests led to significant network congestion, causing the server to time out for several hours.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Cars may be radically different compared with the 1970s, but congestion on the local roads only gets worse.” “These were all bike lanes that increased congestion, were in the wrong place, and caused problems for traffic — removing them was the right move.” Etymology
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-.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/congestion