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

Frustrated by rising prices and overconsumption, a growing league of people are swearing off unnecessary purchases altogether. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 15 Feb. 2025

Emergency Preparedness and Medical Assistance Having emergency medical services (EMS) on-site is essential to address potential health concerns, including dehydration, anxiety attacks, or overconsumption. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025

Today, that early evolutionary make-up, coupled with the easy access to salt that modern life provides, leads to plenty of opportunities for overconsumption. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconsumption

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