overexploitation

[oh-ver-ek-sploi-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. excessive utilization, especially for profit; overuse.

   Tourism in coastal areas often results in the overexploitation of local seafood species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overexploitation¹

over- ( def. ) + exploitation ( def. )

Example Sentences

However, despite recent gains, green turtles are still far below their historic numbers due to past overexploitation and ongoing threats like fishing, habitat loss and climate change.

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Currently just 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving marine life at risk from overexploitation.

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Our downward spiral notably includes the spread of invasive species; overexploitation of species; habitat modification, fragmentation and destruction; pollution; and, of course, climate change.

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This overexploitation of Brazil's green lung destroys the habitats of many species of flora and fauna and also accelerates climate change.

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Recent losses have been highest in Latin America, where animal populations have declined by 95%, mainly due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.

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