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

Last week’s levels at Lake Mead are the latest sign of pressure on the Colorado River system, which is under threat from overconsumption and increasing temperatures, no thanks to a persisting megadrought in the region. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Research indicates that overconsumption of carbohydrates in particular may hinder blood sugar management, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 24 July 2026

In extreme cases, overconsumption of vitamin D can even affect heart and brain function. — Cat Rainsford, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

Fortunately, overconsumption of cannabis, unlike overdosing on many drugs, is not lethal and leaves no lasting damage. — Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconsumption

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