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• load-shedding
  load-shedding

  noun

  the deliberate shutdown of electric power in a part or parts of a power-distribution system, generally to prevent the failure of the entire system when the demand strains the capacity of the system.
• load shedding
  load shedding

  noun

  the act or practice of temporarily reducing the supply of electricity to an area to avoid overloading the generators

load-shedding

American  

[lohd-shed-ing] / ˈloʊdˌʃɛd ɪŋ /

Or loadshedding

noun

1. the deliberate shutdown of electric power in a part or parts of a power-distribution system, generally to prevent the failure of the entire system when the demand strains the capacity of the system.

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load shedding British  

noun

1. the act or practice of temporarily reducing the supply of electricity to an area to avoid overloading the generators

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Etymology

Origin of load-shedding

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

load-shedding load shedding

Ghising, 55, won significant public support when he led the Nepal Electricity Authority in tackling the Himalayan country's load-shedding crisis.

From Barron's ● Dec. 30, 2025

Having a steady electricity supply has become a privilege in the country, which has endured nearly 15 years of "load-shedding" - scheduled nationwide blackouts introduced to ease pressure on the fragile infrastructure.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2025

“The load-shedding is much better now,” she says.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2024

He even fears customers might stop coming to his creamery: "We have had customers who assume that we are closed, because of load-shedding, so I am really worried that if load-shedding worsens, people won't come."

From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2023

"Sorry there's load-shedding the first night you arrive, Tara. The power should be back soon, though. And the air-conditioning."

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

"Due to the global energy crisis and the unprecedented surge in international currency markets, we are exposed to this unwanted load shedding," Hamid said in a Facebook post late on Monday.

From Reuters ● Jun. 6, 2023

"Inevitably, load shedding has disrupted customers, with some impact on turnover. Of greater consequence, however, are the substantial unplanned costs incurred in running localised power generation for stores."

From Reuters ● Feb. 8, 2023

Meaning: When demand for electricity exceeds supply, a operator implements load shedding.

From BBC ● Dec. 24, 2022

“The problem is that with increased frequency of load shedding the batteries don’t have time to recharge properly and the phones don’t work,” he said.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 8, 2022

While progress is being made in plugging the generating capacity shortfall, South Africans have been warned to expect load shedding for another two to three years.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2022