Bottleneck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bottleneck

[ˈbɒt(ə)lˌnɛk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bottleneck	Often used in business or traffic to refer to a point of congestion or anything that causes delays or slowdowns due to limited capacity or inefficiency. It emphasizes the cause of the problem more than its effect. The supply chain experienced a bottleneck, delaying the delivery of goods. Construction on the highway created a major bottleneck during rush hour.
congestion	Commonly used in the context of heavy traffic or crowded conditions, both physically (like traffic or nasal congestion) and metaphorically (like network congestion in computing). Generally describes the result rather than the cause of the problem. Traffic congestion in the city center has gotten worse over the years. She took medicine to relieve her nasal congestion.
blockage	Used when something is physically obstructed or blocked, preventing flow or movement. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations. There was a blockage in the sewer line that needed immediate attention. Mental blockages can sometimes prevent people from achieving their goals.
restriction	Used to describe a limitation or rule that keeps something from happening or limits how it happens. It often has a regulatory or controlling connotation. New restrictions on water usage were implemented during the drought. Visa restrictions can make international travel difficult.

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 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bottleneck	Used to describe a point of congestion or blockage in a process or system that slows down overall progress. The narrow bridge is a major bottleneck during rush hour We need to find the bottleneck in our production line to improve efficiency
impediment	Often used in more formal contexts to indicate something that obstructs or delays progress. Also used in medical or technical contexts, like speech impediments. The language barrier was an impediment to effective communication He overcame his speech impediment through years of therapy
hindrance	Refers to something that makes it difficult to do something or achieve a goal, often carrying a slightly less severe or formal tone. His lack of experience was a hindrance in securing the job The rain was a big hindrance to our outdoor plans
obstacle	A general term for anything that blocks one’s way or prevents progress, suitable for both literal and metaphorical uses. The fallen tree was an obstacle on the hiking trail She faced many obstacles on her way to becoming a doctor

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 | Verb}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bottleneck	Used to describe a specific point in a process where progress is blocked or slowed down due to limited capacity or a specific issue. The single printer in the office is often a bottleneck for productivity Traffic was heavy due to a bottleneck at the bridge construction site
restrict	Used when limiting or controlling the extent, quantity, or range of something. The new law will restrict the use of certain chemicals The diet restricts the intake of sugary foods
impede	Used in more formal situations to describe something that slows down, prevents, or obstructs progress. Heavy snowfall can impede travel Bureaucratic red tape often impedes swift decision-making
hinder	Used when something or someone makes it more difficult to achieve something else or progress. Lack of funding can hinder a project's progress Noise in the library can hinder students from concentrating on their studies

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

In computer systems, a bottleneck can occur when the data transfer rate is lower than that of the components providing or consuming data, leading to slower overall performance.
Network traffic can experience bottlenecks when too many devices try to communicate over a limited bandwidth, similar to a crowded highway.
In software development, a bottleneck may arise at a particular stage of the coding process, delaying the release of the whole project.

Business

Bottlenecks in business processes can lead to inefficiencies and lost revenue, making it crucial for companies to identify and address these issues.
Lean management techniques often focus on eliminating bottlenecks to boost productivity and maintain a smooth workflow.
A common approach to solve bottlenecks is to streamline tasks, reallocating resources where necessary to improve overall efficiency.

Transportation

Traffic bottlenecks can happen at road intersections, where the number of vehicles exceeds the capacity of the road or signal timing causes delays.
Public transport systems aim to minimize bottlenecks to improve commuter experience and efficiency.
Seasonal travel often creates bottlenecks in popular tourist areas, as the influx of visitors exceeds infrastructure capacity.

Psychology

In decision-making, a bottleneck might occur when too many choices cause confusion, leading individuals to delay making a choice.
Cognitive bottlenecks may refer to limitations in processing information when faced with overwhelming data or tasks.
Managing stress and workload effectively can help prevent bottlenecks in mental performance, ensuring tasks are handled efficiently.

Origin of 'bottleneck'

Main points about word origin

The term 'bottleneck' originated from the narrow neck of a bottle that restricts the flow of liquid.
Its first known usage in the context of traffic dates back to the 1970s, reflecting how slower vehicles limit the speed of others.
The concept was also used in manufacturing, identifying parts of a process that slow down overall production.

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.