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

In general, overconsumption of garlic can produce side effects, including garlic breath, digestive issues, bloating, stomach pains, gas and heartburn. —Peter Burke, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2025

This helps reduce textile waste and overconsumption. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

But the endless grind of capitalism has a way of turning all criticisms about our overconsumption into a new way of selling you things. —Constance Grady, Vox, 6 Mar. 2025

With just a handful of all-black designs in quality fabrics that will last for years, both men and women can build a wardrobe that is specifically designed to combat overconsumption. —Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconsumption

• assumption
• consumption
• presumption
• resumption
• subsumption
• gumption
• sumption