blacklist
To put a person, organization, or country on a list of those who are considered unacceptable and should be avoided or excluded from certain activities or privileges. It is often used to describe the denial of employment, trade, or participation based on previous behavior or reputation.
Examples
3 of 5I think the local pizza place blacklisted our address because my roommate never tips.
I think the local pizza place blacklisted our address because my roommate never tips.
The government decided to blacklist several international firms for violating trade sanctions.
The government decided to blacklist several international firms for violating trade sanctions.
If you keep spamming the group, the admin is going to blacklist you.
If you keep spamming the group, the admin is going to blacklist you.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'black' ink mark crossing out a name on a 'list' so that they can no longer be seen or invited.
Quick Quiz
The candidate was ______ from the industry after the scandal became public, making it impossible for him to find a new job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blacklisted
Examples
I think the local pizza place blacklisted our address because my roommate never tips.
everydayI think the local pizza place blacklisted our address because my roommate never tips.
The government decided to blacklist several international firms for violating trade sanctions.
formalThe government decided to blacklist several international firms for violating trade sanctions.
If you keep spamming the group, the admin is going to blacklist you.
informalIf you keep spamming the group, the admin is going to blacklist you.
During the mid-20th century, many writers were blacklisted due to their alleged political leanings.
academicDuring the mid-20th century, many writers were blacklisted due to their alleged political leanings.
Our agency will blacklist any contractor who fails to meet the safety requirements twice.
businessOur agency will blacklist any contractor who fails to meet the safety requirements twice.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on the blacklist
on the blacklist
put someone on a blacklist
put someone on a blacklist
blacklisted for life
blacklisted for life
Often Confused With
Blackmail involves demanding money or favors in exchange for not revealing a secret, while blacklisting is excluding someone from a group or activity.
Blocklist is a more modern, neutral term often used in technology (IT/email) to replace 'blacklist' for inclusivity reasons.
Usage Notes
The verb 'blacklist' is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or entity being excluded). In modern computing, you might see 'blocklist' or 'denylist' used instead of 'blacklist'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'blackmail' or write it as two words ('black list') when using it as a verb; it should be a single word.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'black' ink mark crossing out a name on a 'list' so that they can no longer be seen or invited.
Word Origin
Originates from the 17th century, specifically referring to a list of people who were viewed with suspicion or destined for punishment.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The word is strongly associated with the 'Hollywood Blacklist' of the 1940s and 50s, where entertainment professionals were denied work for suspected communist ties.
Quick Quiz
The candidate was ______ from the industry after the scandal became public, making it impossible for him to find a new job.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blacklisted
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