Congestion Meaning

/kənˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃən/
B1

Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounThe hindrance or blockage of the passage of something, for example a fluid, mixture, traffic, people, etc. (due to an excess of this or due to a partial or complete obstruction), resulting in overfilling or overcrowding.

nounThe hindrance or blockage of the passage of something, for example a fluid, mixture, traffic, people, etc. (due to an excess of this or due to a partial or complete obstruction), resulting in overfilling or overcrowding., An accumulation or buildup, the act of gathering into a heap or mass.

We were delayed by traffic congestion, so we had to hurry.
In spite of the terrible congestion, I was in time for the appointment.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Morning rush hour causes severe traffic ____ in the city center.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He took a potent medicine to relieve the severe nasal ____ caused by his bad cold.

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-.

"The crossing caused serious congestion with long traffic hold-ups, and had been a bone of contention between the local authorities and the railway for over eighty years. It was controlled from Fletton Road Junction Signalbox (removed at the same time) and, until a wheel was installed in 1920, required two gatemen on each turn of duty." — 1959 April 26, C. R. Clinker and R. A. Dane, “The Railways of Peterborough”, in Railway Magazine, page 230:

Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
Morning rush hour causes severe traffic ____ in the city center.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He took a potent medicine to relieve the severe nasal ____ caused by his bad cold.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically