# congestion

/kənˈdʒɛstʃən/ (US) · /kəndʒˈɛstʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/congestion
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. traffic

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. medical/nasal

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. general overcrowding

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The heavy traffic caused major congestion in the city center.
- The doctor recommended a saline spray to help clear the patient's nasal congestion and make breathing easier.
- Urban planners are increasingly looking toward congestion pricing as a mechanism to reduce the volume of private vehicles entering the historic district during peak business hours.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.