carrying capacity

noun

: the maximum population (as of deer) that an area will support without undergoing deterioration

Examples of carrying capacity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These handheld, lightweight machines simply lack the processing power and carrying capacity that let driverless cars and other larger robotic cousins navigate their world independently. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 17 July 2024 The new model of reproduction could significantly alter estimates of ecosystem carrying capacity and our understanding of the resources needed to support species’ survival, says Caroline Williams, an integrative biologist at the University of California-Berkeley who wasn’t involved in the research. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 May 2024 It's equipped with plenty of pockets and up to 45 liters of carrying capacity. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2024 Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for carrying capacity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carrying capacity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carrying capacity was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near carrying capacity

Cite this Entry

“Carrying capacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrying%20capacity. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

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