overconsumption

noun

over·​con·​sump·​tion ˌō-vər-kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce overconsumption (audio)
: 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.
This creates a harmful cycle of consumerism and overconsumption. The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Consume Responsibly: Start with low doses, especially if trying new products, to gauge their effects and avoid overconsumption. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024 Instead, the Finnish inclination towards practicality has built a vibrant (albeit small) fashion community that consciously thinks about reducing waste, recycling materials, and reducing overconsumption. Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near overconsumption

Cite this Entry

“Overconsumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overconsumption. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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