# overcrowding

/ˈoʊvɝˌkɹaʊdɪŋ/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəkɹˈaʊdɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overcrowding
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as an uncountable noun; when used as a gerund, it retains its verbal sense of filling a space beyond its capacity.

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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.