overcapacity

noun

over·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌō-vər-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 

-ˈpa-stē

: excessive capacity for production or services in relation to demand

Examples of overcapacity in a Sentence

The airlines are lowering their prices because of an overcapacity of seats.

Recent Examples on the Web

As flames licked at the fabric and smoke curled toward the ceiling, an overcapacity crowd of more than 1,800 panicked, rushing for the exits and jamming against doors that opened inward. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

Policy competition between major powers has, in some industries, tipped from productive to zero sum, subsidies that distort capital allocation by entrenching incumbents, and others creating punishing overcapacity. — Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

For over a decade since the early 2010s, China experienced a rapid solar and wind energy expansion that was largely driven by government targets and investment incentives, leading to issues such as overcapacity. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

The animal shelters in Fort Worth are overcapacity, and Animal Care and Control is urgently seeking adopters or fosters. — Mary Ella Hastings june 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overcapacity

• audacity
• capacity
• fugacity
• loquacity
• mendacity
• opacity
• rapacity
• sagacity
• tenacity
• veracity
• vivacity
• voracity