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overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌpä-pyə-ˈlā-shən
: the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
Examples of overpopulation in a Sentence
He is studying the problem of deer overpopulation.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the early nineteen-sixties, fears of overpopulation and urban decay were rampant.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
If overpopulation had once prompted the government to push abortions, South Korea was now dealing with the opposite problem.
—Gawon Bae, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024
Due to the current overpopulation crisis, the best course of action when finding an unhoused pet is first to try to locate its owner.
—Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2024
Some people develop blepharitis due to an overpopulation of Demodex, microscopic mites that live at the base of hair follicles.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overpopulation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overpopulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1802, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near overpopulation
Cite this Entry
“Overpopulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpopulation. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən
: the condition of having too many people living in a certain area
Medical Definition
overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən
: the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
More from Merriam-Webster on overpopulation
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overpopulation
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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