overpopulation
Britishnoun
Explanation
Overpopulation is what happens when there are too many members of a species. An overpopulation of deer can lead to more of them being hit by cars and more gardens being nibbled. When the population of any group is too large for its environment to support, that's overpopulation. That can mean so many people inhabiting a region that there's not enough food for everyone, or an overabundance of rabbits in an area with no natural predators. An overpopulation of pets in the U.S. means that unwanted cats and dogs have to be euthanized every year; there are just too many of them for the number of available adopters.
Vocabulary lists containing overpopulation
Human Geography - Middle School
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Human Geography - High School
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5th Grade Human Geography, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Overpopulation is scientifically defined as a state where you start destroying your living environment.
From Salon • Nov. 30, 2024
Photograph: Stephen Cummiskey Overpopulation has become almost a forbidden concept.
From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2013
Overpopulation, Brown says, is an issue so profound that all of us need to ask what should be done.
From Seattle Times • May 14, 2013
About That Overpopulation Problem Research suggests we may actually face a declining world population in the coming years.
From Slate • Jan. 9, 2013
Overpopulation still remains the thorn in our side.
From Of Time and Texas by Nolan, William F.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
