oversupply

American  

[oh-ver-suh-plahy, oh-ver-suh-plahy] / ˈoʊ vər səˌplaɪ, ˌoʊ vər səˈplaɪ /

noun

oversupplies plural

1. an excessive supply.

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verb (used with object)

oversupplied, oversupplying

1. to supply in excess.

oversupply British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌsəplaɪ /

noun

1. the supply of too much or too many

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verb

1. (tr) to supply too much (material, etc) or too many (goods, people, etc)

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• oversupplies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of oversupply

First recorded in 1825–35; over- + supply ¹

Example Sentences

He says its forward price-to-earnings multiple—which currently stands at 11.4 times, according to FactSet—already this implies moderating price growth, and oversupply conditions looming in the next one-to-two years.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

After an initial spike, milk price rises have eased in the last few years because of global oversupply.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

In addition, a record-high order book for new ships, around 38% of the current global fleet, creates oversupply risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"But the oversupply and favouritism of coal power is an important factor," added Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, and contributor to the report.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

In some sections there is an oversupply of such labor; in other sections a shortage.

From Negro Migration during the War by Scott, Emmett J. (Emmett Jay)

Related Words

• glut