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

The ratings firm added that the industry’s capex is growing faster than revenue, warning that the aggressive build-out could lead to overcapacity if future demand doesn’t pan out as expected. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

As the financial press dials up estimates of total investment in data centers—from hundreds of billions to lately several trillion dollars—the fear of compute overcapacity, low or negative returns, and a recession escalates. — Harvard Business Review, 11 Sep. 2026

Nine Chinese companies selling robotic lawnmowers are targeting the EU, given China’s lack of lawns, underlining the extent to which Europe’s markets have become a destination for Chinese overcapacity. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Dozens protested the bar’s liquor license renewal, citing noise from live entertainment and overcapacity crowds outside the property. — Christopher Scarglato, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 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