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

Digestive discomfort: In some individuals, overconsumption can cause digestive issues like diarrhea, stomach cramping, or heartburn. —Roxana Ehsani, Health, 12 June 2025

There are new economic factors at play that may have the inadvertent effect of slowing fast fashion and overconsumption, which would ultimately reduce industry emissions. —Karen Dougherty, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025

The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 May 2025

Traditional edibles often left users waiting for up to two hours to feel the effects, leading to impatience and, sometimes, overconsumption. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconsumption

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