Word
overcrowded
Phoneticsover·crowd·ed
US/ˈoʊvɝˌkɹaʊdɪd/
UK/ˌəʊvəkɹˈaʊdɪd/
Definition
adj. containing too many people or things for the amount of space available. You use this to describe places like buses or cities that feel uncomfortably full.
adj. filled with more people or objects than is desirable, safe, or comfortable. Often used to describe urban infrastructure, housing, or public transport systems.
Examples
“The overcrowded train is very hot and uncomfortable.”
“Local authorities are struggling to provide enough services for the city's overcrowded neighborhoods.”
“Urban planners warn that overcrowded housing conditions can lead to significant public health risks and increased strain on aging sanitation infrastructure.”
Examples
simple
“The overcrowded train is very hot and uncomfortable.”
contextual
“Local authorities are struggling to provide enough services for the city's overcrowded neighborhoods.”
complex
“Urban planners warn that overcrowded housing conditions can lead to significant public health risks and increased strain on aging sanitation infrastructure.”
Usage
Typically used as a participial adjective; can appear both before a noun or after a linking verb like 'become' or 'remain'.
Pitfall
The room was too much overcrowded.
The room was very overcrowded.
As an adjective, 'overcrowded' is modified by 'very' or 'extremely' rather than 'too much'.
Real-World Examples
“Despite the benefits these largely working-age migrants bring for the country's economy, welfare system and pension, they're heading to the same place as where most Spaniards live or move to - the overcrowded cities.” “At least 44 people have died after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, police said.” “She said: "We know how underfunded and overcrowded prisons are and there are not opportunities in some prisons for the people in prison to study art.” Etymology
From over- + crowded.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/overcrowded