Bottleneck: meaning, definitions and examples

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bottleneck

 

[ ˈbɒt(ə)lˌnɛk ]

Context #1

in technology

A bottleneck is a point of congestion in a system where the flow of data is limited or restricted. It often occurs when one component in a system cannot keep up with the rest, causing delays and inefficiencies.

Synonyms

blockage, congestion, restriction

Examples of usage

  • The slow internet connection was a bottleneck for the entire office.
  • The bottleneck in the server led to frequent crashes and downtime.
Context #2

in business

A bottleneck is a point in a business process where the flow of work is impeded, causing a delay in overall productivity. It can be caused by inefficient workflows, resource constraints, or lack of communication.

Synonyms

hindrance, impediment, obstacle

Examples of usage

  • The bottleneck in the production line was slowing down the entire operation.
  • Identifying and eliminating bottlenecks is crucial for improving efficiency.
Context #3

general

To bottleneck means to restrict or impede the flow or progress of something. It is often used to describe a situation where something is slowed down or blocked.

Synonyms

hinder, impede, restrict

Examples of usage

  • The narrow road bottlenecked traffic during rush hour.
  • His indecision bottlenecked the decision-making process.

Translations

Translations of the word "bottleneck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gargalo

🇮🇳 संकीर्ण मार्ग

🇩🇪 Engpass

🇮🇩 hambatan

🇺🇦 вузьке місце

🇵🇱 wąskie gardło

🇯🇵 ボトルネック

🇫🇷 goulot d'étranglement

🇪🇸 cuello de botella

🇹🇷 darboğaz

🇰🇷 병목

🇸🇦 عنق الزجاجة

🇨🇿 úzké hrdlo

🇸🇰 úzke miesto

🇨🇳 瓶颈

🇸🇮 ozko grlo

🇮🇸 þrengsli

🇰🇿 тар жолақ

🇬🇪 ვიწრო ადგილი

🇦🇿 darboğaz

🇲🇽 cuello de botella

Word origin

The term 'bottleneck' originated from the narrow-necked glass bottles used for beer in the 17th century. When the flow of beer was slow due to the narrow bottleneck, the term was applied to any situation where flow was restricted. Over time, it evolved to be used in various contexts, including technology, business, and general situations.

See also: bottle, bottling.