# excessively

/ɪkˈsɛsɪvɫi/ (US) · /ɛksˈɛsɪvli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/excessively
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. too much

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is much more than is necessary, normal, or reasonable.

For teachers: to an extreme or disproportionate degree; exceeding the limits of what is considered appropriate or healthy.

- He drinks excessively on the weekends and always feels terrible on Monday.
- The legal team argued that the fine was excessively high, claiming it bore no relation to the actual damages suffered by the plaintiff.

## Examples

- He drinks coffee excessively throughout the day.
- The manager was criticized for being excessively harsh when giving feedback to new employees.
- While some regulation is necessary for market stability, critics argue that an excessively bureaucratic approach can stifle the very innovation it seeks to protect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.