Overpopulated

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvɚˈpɑpjə(ˌ)leɪtɪd/

Definitions

1. A state characterized by a population density that surpasses the environment's sustainable limits and resources are strained
2. A demographic scenario where the number of individuals in a region overwhelms its ability to provide for their needs
3. Having a population so large that the available resources and space are insufficient to maintain a healthy living environment

Etymology: "Overpopulated" is a plain compound: the prefix "over-", meaning excessive or beyond the proper amount, attached to "populated," the past participle of "populate," which comes from Latin "populare," to people or to settle a place. Put together, the word describes a place or thing that has been peopled beyond what it can sustain. The word is recorded from 1828, and it arrived slightly after its own verb, "overpopulate." Earlier English had close relatives: "overpeopled" and "overpopulous" both expressed the same idea of too many inhabitants for the space available. The newer form won out because "populated" was already the standard adjective for a place with residents, so "over-" could be added to it directly.

Synonyms: crowded, overcrowded

Antonyms: underpopulated