overcultivation

noun

over·​cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌō-vər-ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce overcultivation (audio)
plural overcultivations
: the act or an instance of cultivating something excessively
especially : the act or practice of cultivating land to an excessive degree in the growing of crops so that soil quality is degraded and productivity is reduced
Desertification is caused by climate change and human activities such as overcultivation and overgrazing. The Seattle Times

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcultivation was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Overcultivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcultivation. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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