# landlocked

/ˈɫændˌɫɑkt/ (US) · /lˈændlɒkt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/landlocked
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

describing a country or place that is completely surrounded by land and has no direct access to the ocean. You use this to talk about places that must travel through other countries to reach the sea.

For teachers: situated entirely within a landmass and having no direct access to an ocean or sea. Often used to describe the geographical constraints of a nation's trade and transport.

## Examples

- Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America.
- Because it is a landlocked nation, the government invested heavily in rail infrastructure to facilitate international trade.
- The economic development of many landlocked states is significantly hindered by the high tariffs and transit costs imposed by the coastal nations they must pass through to reach global markets.

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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.