Bottleneck

/ˈbɒt(ə)lˌnɛk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A stage in a process at which progress is slowed or halted due to limited capacity.

The factory's production line experienced a bottleneck due to a malfunctioning machine.

In computing, a component or process that limits the speed or efficiency of the entire system.

Upgrading the server eliminated the bottleneck that had been slowing down our website.

A point of congestion or blockage that reduces the efficiency or speed of a process.

The shipment delays were caused by a bottleneck at the customs office.

verb

To obstruct or reduce the efficiency of a process.

Excessive paperwork can bottleneck the approval process.

The term comes from the shape of a bottle, where a narrow neck slows down the flow of liquid.

bottleneck effect

A situation in which a reduction in population size leads to a loss of genetic diversity.

traffic bottleneck

A point in a road where the flow of traffic slows down.

bottlenecking

The process of obstructing or slowing down a system.

congestion

An excessive accumulation of traffic or people, leading to obstruction.

obstruction

The act of blocking or hindering progress.

restriction

A limitation placed on something, often resulting in reduced efficiency.

Getting stuck in a situation where progress is impeded.

We hit a serious bottleneck on that project after the last meeting.

A frustrating delay that prevents moving forward.

The server being down was a real bottleneck for our work.