carrying capacity

American  

[kar-ee-ing kuh-pas-i-tee] / ˈkær i ɪŋ kəˌpæs ɪ ti /

noun

Ecology.

1. the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment. K

---

carrying capacity British  

noun

1. ecology the maximum number of individuals that an area of land can support, usually determined by their food requirements

---

carrying capacity Scientific  

/ kăr′ē-ĭng /

1. The maximum population of a particular organism that a given environment can support without detrimental effects.

---

carrying capacity Cultural  

1. In ecology, the number of living things that can exist for long periods in a given area without damaging the environment.

---

Etymology

Origin of carrying capacity

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The research, published in Environmental Research Letters, concludes that humanity has already surpassed Earth's sustainable carrying capacity.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

The sinking has damaged part of the Friant-Kern Canal, a major water conduit for farms, reducing its carrying capacity and requiring $326 million in repairs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Their book may be wrong on some issues, but it is hard to dispute that the earth has finite natural resources, limited human carrying capacity and that excessive growth has resulted in environmental destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Other entrants include Figure AI’s F.03 robot, introduced in October, which stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 135 pounds, with a carrying capacity of 44 pounds.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Luke read a sentence at random: “While debate continues over the carrying capacity of the earth—” He skipped ahead.

From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix