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

There has been no shortage of complaints about Chinese overcapacity in recent years. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

In theory, that kind of overcapacity should lead factories to close and the surge to subside. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Experts fear that surging Chinese overcapacity — stoked by flatlining domestic consumption — could further deepen the EU-China trade imbalance. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026

One focuses on allegations that major trading partners — including China, Mexico and the European Union — are contributing to global manufacturing overcapacity. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 23 July 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