congestion

Everyday

1. Too many cars or people in one place, so movement is slow, like traffic congestion. tree →
2. A blocked feeling in the nose or chest from a cold, with too much mucus. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and citizenship lessons it comes up with traffic, pollution and city planning (London's "congestion charge"). In health, a cold can cause nasal congestion. Phrases: "traffic congestion", "congestion charge", "nasal congestion".

Examples

• There was heavy congestion on the motorway. tree →
• London has a congestion charge to cut traffic. tree →
• Bikes and buses can help reduce congestion. tree →
• I have a cold with nasal congestion. tree →
• The steam helped clear my congestion. tree →
• Congestion at the school gate makes it unsafe. tree →

Note

Uncountable: "a lot of congestion", not "a congestion". Adjective: congested ("congested roads", "a congested nose").