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

Derived 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.

“However, we believe the market has become excessively pessimistic.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 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

Researchers engineered the compound to activate important signaling pathways in a new way that benefits muscle tissue without excessively stimulating the heart, a challenge that has historically limited the use of β2 agonists.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

It must become a philosophy that corrodes collective faith, collective beliefs, and becomes excessively individualistic.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

Laika, who for whatever reasons had an excessively guilty conscience, immediately dropped the snake and curled up in her “please don’t kill me” pose.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith

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