excessive

[ik-ses-iv]

adjective

1. going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree; characterized by excess.

   excessive charges; excessive criticism.

   Synonyms: unreasonable, exorbitant, inordinate, extravagant, immoderate
   Antonyms: reasonable

excessive

/ ɪkˈsɛsɪv /

adjective

1. exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate

Other Word Forms

• excessively adverb
• excessiveness noun
• nonexcessive adjective
• nonexcessiveness noun
• quasi-excessive adjective
• unexcessive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excessive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ( excess, -ive ); replacing Middle English excessif, from Middle French

Example Sentences

The scheme has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with critics arguing that the tax reliefs on the scheme were excessive and outdated.

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McLaren team chief Andrea Stella explained that the disqualification of both cars, for excessive wear of the skid blocks, was a result of an unexpected level of "porpoising... exacerbated by the conditions" in Nevada.

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Team principal Andrea Stella said McLaren did "not believe we took excessive risk with the ride-height" and that the team had "added a safety margin" intended to limit skid wear in qualifying and race.

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The proposal was rejected out of hand by Japan, which called it unscientific and "excessive," backed by multiple countries including African nations who warned it would place undue administrative burdens on their authorities.

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The reforms will tackle perceived problems including excessive concentration of universities in Tbilisi, duplication of programmes and inadequate state funding.

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Related Words

• disproportionate 
• enormous 
• exaggerated 
• exorbitant 
• extra 
• extravagant 
• extreme 
• inordinate 
• needless 
• redundant 
• steep 
• superfluous 
• unconscionable 
• undue 
• unreasonable