Word
overcrowding
Phoneticsover·crowd·ing
US/ˈoʊvɝˌkɹaʊdɪŋ/
UK/ˌəʊvəkɹˈaʊdɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a situation where there are too many people in one place for it to be comfortable or safe. It often happens on trains, in cities, or in schools.
n. the presence of more people in a space than is considered safe, healthy, or comfortable. Often used in sociological or urban planning contexts to describe housing and infrastructure strain.
Examples
“The city is trying to reduce overcrowding on public buses.”
“Hospital staff warned that overcrowding in the emergency room was leading to longer wait times and reduced patient safety.”
“Urban planners must address the systemic causes of overcrowding in low-income neighborhoods to ensure that basic sanitation and emergency services remain accessible to all residents.”
Examples
simple
“The city is trying to reduce overcrowding on public buses.”
contextual
“Hospital staff warned that overcrowding in the emergency room was leading to longer wait times and reduced patient safety.”
complex
“Urban planners must address the systemic causes of overcrowding in low-income neighborhoods to ensure that basic sanitation and emergency services remain accessible to all residents.”
Usage
Typically functions as an uncountable noun; when used as a gerund, it retains its verbal sense of filling a space beyond its capacity.
Real-World Examples
“Experts say overcrowding in boats makes crossings riskier .” “Both said those who kill an emergency worker while committing a crime should be excluded from an early release scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding.” - 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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