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noun

overpopulation

oh-vuh-pop-yuu-LAYSHN

Overpopulation (noun) means a situation where an area has more people, animals, or organisms than it can properly support. Example: “Overpopulation was putting a serious strain on the city's water supply.”

noun
1
A situation where an area has more people, animals, or organisms than it can properly support.
"Overpopulation was putting a serious strain on the city's water supply."

How to use overpopulation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishToo many inhabitants for the resources or space available.

Common pairings
urban overpopulation overpopulation crisis

Word forms

overpopulations plural

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Test yourself on “overpopulation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ was putting a serious strain on the city's water supply.

Etymology

From over- ("excessive") + population.

Antonyms

underpopulation

Rhymes for overpopulation

See all rhymes for overpopulation →

Frequently asked questions

What does “overpopulation” mean?

The word “overpopulation” means a situation where an area has more people, animals, or organisms than it can properly support. In plain terms, too many inhabitants for the resources or space available.

How do you pronounce “overpopulation”?

“Overpopulation” is pronounced oh-vuh-pop-yuu-LAYSHN (/ˌoʊvɚˌpɑpjəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

How do you use “overpopulation” in a sentence?

Here is “overpopulation” used in a sentence: “Overpopulation was putting a serious strain on the city's water supply.”

What is the opposite of “overpopulation”?

The opposite of “overpopulation” — its antonyms — is underpopulation.

What part of speech is “overpopulation”?

“Overpopulation” is a noun.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial