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

Prevention of pet overpopulation is an important part of PAWS’ model and Rescue Ranch will have a surgery center equipped to perform hundreds of spay/neuter surgeries during Spay Days. — Mick Zawislak, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

But an overpopulation of these little critters can trigger irritation, inflammation and even more serious eye conditions if left untreated. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 16 July 2026

The Statesman reported on their overpopulation last year, serving as a cautionary tale for what can happen when a non-native species gets introduced to the environment. — Hannah Smith july 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

So much so that, even as the country grapples with overpopulation, the government has taken the unusual step of encouraging Parsis to grow their families. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overpopulation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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

overpopulated

-ˈpäp-yə-ˌlāt-əd 

adjective