congestion
/kənˈdʒɛstʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
The state of being congested: the new bridge should ease congestion in the area...
- The car park will also hopefully ease traffic congestion and parking difficulties.
- The bus lanes are designed to ease traffic congestion but they remain controversial.
- This will, it is hoped, take traffic off the roads and help to ease congestion.
Synonyms
crowding, overcrowding;
obstruction, blockage, stoppage, blocking, clogging, choking, plugging, stuffing;
traffic jam, bottleneck
informal snarl-up, gridlock
Origin
Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin congestio(n-), from congere 'heap up', from con- 'together' + gerere 'bring'.