writer's block

noun

: a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece

Examples of writer's block in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But that spring, my mental health wasn’t in a good place thanks to the volatile combination of two years of pandemic lockdown, switching my antidepressants, my undiagnosed ADHD and a horrible case of writer's block. —Alison Cochrun, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

In David Koepp's adaptation of a Stephen King short story, Johnny Depp plays a novelist suffering from writer's block and an impending divorce. —James Mercadante, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024

That's what a lot of users are happily prompting today's chatbots to produce, looking to overcome writer's block and get brainstorming help. —Megan Morrone, Axios, 31 July 2024

He was documented experiencing writer's block, discussing those struggles with fellow musicians and looking back on traumatic memories to provide writing material for D-Day. —Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 11 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for writer's block

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk

Kids Definition

writer's block

noun

: a usually temporary psychological condition in which a writer is unable to proceed with a piece of writing

Medical Definition

writer's block

noun

wri·​ter's block ˈrīt-ərz- 

: a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece of writing