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

He is known as the world's most famous playwright and England's greatest dramatist, but even William Shakespeare got writer's block. —Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026

D'Angelo would go on tour following the success of Brown Sugar, but did not release new music for several years, citing writer's block. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Struggling with content creation due to writer's block or fear? —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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

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