excessive

[ ik-ses-iv ]

adjective

1. going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree; characterized by excess:

   excessive charges; excessive criticism.

   Synonyms: unreasonable, exorbitant, inordinate, extravagant, immoderate

   Antonyms: reasonable

excessive

/ ɪkˈsɛsɪv /

adjective

1. exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate

Derived Forms

• exˈcessiveness, noun
• exˈcessively, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·ces·sive·ly adverb
• ex·ces·sive·ness noun
• non·ex·ces·sive adjective
• non·ex·ces·sive·ness noun
• qua·si-ex·ces·sive adjective
• un·ex·ces·sive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excessive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ( excess, -ive ); replacing Middle English excessif, from Middle French

Example Sentences

Ecocide is defined by experts as a "wanton" act of destruction, carried out with "reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated."

From Salon

Was the use of force justifiable or excessive on each individual occasion?

From BBC

The current research didn't directly study health outcomes, so it's too early to say whether insufficient nutrition or excessive energy consumption is adversely impacting pregnant individuals or their babies.

From Science Daily

Wind gusts could bring power outages, downed trees and high surf along the coastline, the US weather agency said, which issued a "high risk excessive rainfall outlook" for northwest California.

From BBC

George Gascón has faced in his aggressive pursuit of police in excessive force cases.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disproportionate
• enormous
• exaggerated
• exorbitant
• extra
• extravagant
• extreme
• inordinate
• needless
• redundant
• steep
• superfluous
• unconscionable
• undue
• unreasonable