congestion

Congestion occurs when too many vehicles or people try to use the same space or route at the same time, causing delays and slower movement. In traffic, it happens when roads are overcrowded, leading to longer travel times and frustration. In other contexts, such as networks or systems, congestion happens when resources are overwhelmed by demand, slowing down performance or causing data to queue. It’s a sign that capacity is being exceeded, requiring management or adjustments to restore smooth flow and efficiency.