blockage

USAGE SUMMARY

'blockage' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is blocking the flow of something (e.g. water, air, traffic, etc.). For example: "The blockage in the pipe caused the sink to overflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the train corridor they created the blockage and scrum necessary for one of them to grab my wallet, so carefully attached with a chain to my belt.

The Guardian - Music

In December 2000 Mrs Lalitharani had an operation at Guy's to deal with a kidney blockage.

The Guardian

The next step, to be carried out in collaboration with Exelixis, is to use the technology to find compounds that reverse the blockage of egg-laying, and may therefore have a useful effect on dodgy presenilin.Even psychiatric drugs can be put through their paces with C. elegans.

The Economist

Nor does his claim of blockage stand much scrutiny.

The Economist

But, he acknowledges, "in politics it leads to a blocked society".It is this blockage, not Palestinian missiles or an Iranian nuclear bomb, that is the main threat to Israel's well-being.

The Economist

This clumping tendency forces doctors to keep doses lower than would otherwise be desirable, to prevent a blockage from forming.Yuri Lvov, a chemist at Louisiana Tech University, and Vladimir Torchilin, a pharmacist at Northeastern University in Boston, think they have found a way round this.

The Economist

France, he said on May 13th, would take firmness lessons from nobody: "the rule with contracts is that contracts which have been signed are honoured".In this section Into battle Strange but also normal Mistral blows Death underground The eastern blockage ReprintsAt a moment when Europe and America are trying to co-ordinate sanctions against Russia, the timing is nonetheless embarrassing.

The Economist

Despite the continued suspension of the internet and text-messaging, and the blockage of rail and road links into Cairo, a crowd of nearly half a million crammed into Cairo's centre on February 1st, overspilling Tahrir Square onto adjacent streets and bridges.

The Economist

On May 13th seven Ukrainian soldiers were ambushed and killed by rebels armed with grenade launchers near Sloviansk.In this section Into battle Strange but also normal Mistral blows Death underground The eastern blockage ReprintsNobody knows how many rebels there are, but 8m people in the Donbas region are in effect held hostage.

The Economist

But the clearing of the bottleneck in Cushing has released a surge of light crude to the Gulf Coast, creating a new blockage, according to Michele Della Vigna, of Goldman Sachs, a bank.Gulf refineries are using as much light and sweet American crude as they can, but most are designed to process heavier, more sulphurous grades from the Middle East and Africa.

The Economist

On the first two occasions, the executive promptly introduced measures to overcome the judicial blockage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blockage" in technical or medical contexts, ensure it clearly describes the specific obstruction and its consequences. For example, specify the type of "blockage" (e.g., arterial "blockage", intestinal "blockage") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "blockage" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more precise term like "obstacle", "impediment", or "hindrance" would be more appropriate. Using "blockage" for abstract scenarios can sometimes sound awkward or less professional.

Linguistic Context

The word "blockage" functions primarily as a noun, referring to something that obstructs or prevents passage. It is commonly used to describe physical obstructions, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples about sewer and pipes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blockage" is a noun that describes something obstructing a passage or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to identify obstructions, as shown in the various examples. Related terms include "obstruction", "impediment", and "stoppage", each with slightly different nuances. While "blockage" is generally safe to use, avoid overusing it in abstract contexts, where more precise terms might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruction

Indicates something that impedes or prevents passage or progress. Is a more formal and general term.

obstruction

Indicates something that impedes or prevents passage or progress. Is a more formal and general term.

impediment

Refers to something that hinders or obstructs progress. Often used in a more abstract sense.

stoppage

Implies a cessation of movement or flow, often temporary.

occlusion

Suggests a closing or shutting up, often used in medical or technical contexts.

hindrance

Indicates something that delays or prevents progress. Similar to 'impediment' but can be less formal.

barrier

Suggests a physical or metaphorical obstacle that prevents movement or progress.

bottleneck

Refers to a point of congestion or obstruction that slows down a process.

gridlock

Describes a situation where movement or progress is completely halted, often in traffic or political contexts.

congestion

Indicates a state of overcrowding or obstruction, typically in traffic or networks.

FAQs

How to use "blockage" in a sentence?

You can use "blockage" to describe something that is physically obstructing something else, like "There was a "blockage" in the pipe", or to describe a more abstract kind of hindrance, like "The main "blockage" to more rapid political change is a practical one".

What can I say instead of "blockage"?

You can use alternatives like "obstruction", "impediment", or "stoppage" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "blockage" and "obstruction"?

"Blockage" often refers to a physical obstruction that prevents flow or movement, while "obstruction" can be more general and also apply to abstract hindrances. Both terms are similar and often interchangeable, but "blockage" tends to be more concrete.

Which is correct, "blockage" or "obstruction" in medical contexts?

Both "blockage" and "obstruction" are correct in medical contexts, but "blockage" might be preferred in more informal or patient-focused communication, while "obstruction" may be more common in formal medical literature.