overconsumption

noun

over·con·sump·tion ˌō-vər-kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən

: excessive consumption or use of something

the overconsumption of fossil fuels

overconsumption of alcohol

The flip side of deficient saving, of course, is overconsumption. At its peak in 1987, household expenditure as a percentage of national income was 74%, almost four percentage points above the highest levels reached during the previous two decades.—

Robert S. Gay

Examples of overconsumption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But some research suggests that overconsumption of ultraprocessed foods—which often lack protein and are designed to be easy to eat and highly palatable—can lead to weight gain, too. —

Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2025 Indeed, many critics reject his notion that overconsumption is the big problem of 2025. —

Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 This year, it was named as a top endangered river by American Rivers, due to growing demand and overconsumption. —

Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 20 Nov. 2024 The fresh recommendations build on existing evidence that foods like red meat, and the overconsumption of salty and sugary foods, can be linked to health risks. —

Tina Reed, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overconsumption

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of overconsumption was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overconsumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overconsumption. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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