excessively

American

[ik-ses-iv-lee] / ɪkˈsɛs ɪv li /

adverb

in a way that goes beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree.

Applying an excessively thick layer of mulch limits oxygen in the soil and can suffocate the plants.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of excessively

excessive ( def. ) + -ly

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.

Finns may not be known for demonstrative cheerfulness, nor necessarily for being makers of excessively happy music.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

Roberge argues that the trade centered on “momentum” stocks—shares that have risen sharply and attracted increasing investor attention—had become excessively crowded.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

This alteration appears to make the protein excessively active, fueling harmful inflammation.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Auditors that take an excessively light-touch approach can face SEC penalties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

He wears an apron over his clothes, and is busily plucking leaves from an excessively large bunch of parsley.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023