overcapacity

noun

over·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌō-vər-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce overcapacity (audio)
-ˈpa-stē
: excessive capacity for production or services in relation to demand

Examples of overcapacity in a Sentence

The airlines are lowering their prices because of an overcapacity of seats.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This cycle of price increases serves not only to offset immediate fuel price spikes, but also to make up for unadjusted pricing power lost in recent years due to flight overcapacity, fare suppression, and persistent inflation. — CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 In China, an AI crisis might be set off by overcapacity and what Chinese commentators call neijuan—the grinding, margin-destroying competition that follows. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026 Europe has long charged Beijing with deflating the yuan, by perhaps as much as 30%, and pursuing a policy of industrial overcapacity that harms European industries. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Yet Southeast Asian manufacturers are now struggling with Chinese overcapacity. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overcapacity

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcapacity was in 1877

Rhymes for overcapacity

See All Rhymes for overcapacity

Browse Nearby Words

overcanopy
overcapacity
overcapitalization
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Cite this Entry

“Overcapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcapacity. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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