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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
The biggest issues facing the sheriff’s office are with the in-custody deaths, overpopulation, individuals suffering from mental health illnesses sitting in jail instead of receiving treatment, inmates in jail over 90 days for under five hundred dollars, understaffing, turnover, and low morale.
—Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2024
Quick Read Deep Read ( 7 Min. ) March 29, 2024
After a century in which the global population grew almost fourfold to 6.2 billion people, stoking fears of overpopulation, conflict, and ecological collapse, a turning point awaits.
—Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Mar. 2024
In 2023, Maryland has reported higher costs for car repairs from deer collisions, making deer overpopulation an economical issue as well as an environmental issue for Maryland residents.
—Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024
As part of its efforts to reduce overpopulation, MADACC spays and neuters all dogs and cats before they are adopted.
—Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 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 10 Jun. 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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