Word
excessive
Phoneticsex·ces·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈsɛsɪv/
UK/ɛksˈɛsɪv/
Definition
adj. much more than what is necessary, normal, or allowed. You use this to describe something that is too much and might cause problems.
adj. exceeding what is usual, proper, or necessary; characterized by an amount that is greater than a reasonable limit.
Examples
“The noise from the party was excessive.”
“The judge ruled that the police used excessive force when they arrested the suspect.”
“While some regulation is necessary for safety, critics argue that excessive bureaucracy often prevents small businesses from growing or hiring new staff.”
Examples
simple
“The noise from the party was excessive.”
contextual
“The judge ruled that the police used excessive force when they arrested the suspect.”
complex
“While some regulation is necessary for safety, critics argue that excessive bureaucracy often prevents small businesses from growing or hiring new staff.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “excessive” in context.
Verb
01. avoid excessive heat
“You should avoid excessive heat by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day.”
verb + adj + noun
02. curb excessive spending
“The government is trying to curb excessive spending to reduce the national debt.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. excessive drinking
“Doctors warn that excessive drinking can lead to serious liver damage over time.”
adj + noun
04. excessive force
“The police were criticized for using excessive force during the peaceful protest.”
adj + noun
05. excessive noise
“The neighbors complained about the excessive noise coming from the party late at night.”
adj + noun
06. excessive speed
“The accident was caused by a driver traveling at an excessive speed in a residential area.”
adj + noun
Adverb
07. highly excessive
“The judge ruled that the fine was highly excessive and reduced the amount significantly.”
adv + adj
08. somewhat excessive
“The price of the meal was somewhat excessive, considering the small portions.”
adv + adj
09. excessive heat
Usage
Typically functions as an attributive adjective before a noun, but can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.
Pitfall
He drinks excessive.
He drinks excessively.
Learners often use the adjective form when an adverb is required to modify a verb.
Real-World Examples
“At first, the effort to measure losses over distances of meters or even kilometers might seem excessive for devices that fit on a small chip.” “Because bone is softer than stone, it allows a toolmaker to work more precisely without causing excessive damage.” Etymology
From Middle English excessive, excessif, from Old French excessif, from Medieval Latin excessivus, equivalent to excess + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/excessive