Blacklist

/ˈblækˌlɪst/

nounIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A list of people or things to be avoided or excluded.

/ˈblækˌlɪst/

nounnegativeIntermediate
General

A list of people or things regarded as unacceptable, untrustworthy, or dangerous.

His name was on the blacklist, preventing him from getting a job.

💡 Simply: A list of bad people or things.

More Examples

2

The website was blacklisted due to its inappropriate content.

How It's Used

Business

"The company was added to the blacklist after repeated violations of regulations."

Politics

"Several journalists were placed on the government's blacklist."

2

To add to a list of people or things to be avoided or excluded.

/ˈblækˌlɪst/

verbnegativeIntermediate
General

To put someone or something on a blacklist.

The company was blacklisted for unethical practices.

💡 Simply: To ban someone or something.

More Examples

2

He was blacklisted from the industry after the scandal.

How It's Used

Technology

"The search engine blacklisted the website for spamming."

Tip:To 'black' someone's chances by listing them negatively.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Originating in the 17th century, 'blacklist' originally referred to a list of ships banned from entering a port. It evolved to encompass any list of undesirable individuals or entities.

Historically, blacklisting was common practice for sailors and traders.

Memory tip

Think of it as a list of 'black' marks against someone's reputation.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"A list of those who are excluded or banned."

blacklist a companyblacklisted fromon the blacklist

Common misspellings

black listbalcklist

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written