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

In this spirit, the ACC dismisses concerns about overconsumption, offering its members a vision of homegrown American plenty. —Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

The low-price, fast-fashion model has embedded overconsumption into the system while reinforcing inefficiencies in current production and retail models. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026

Anxieties about overconsumption and environmental degradation lie beneath the playfulness. —Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

While upcycling, repair and recycling programs are a good start, Aus said ultimately, the apparel industry has to address the problems of over-production and overconsumption largely driving by fast fashion. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overconsumption

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