oversubscribe

[ oh-ver-suhb-skrahyb ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·sub·scribed, o·ver·sub·scrib·ing.

1. to subscribe for more of than is available, expected, or required:

   The charity drive was oversubscribed by several thousand dollars.

oversubscribe

/ ˌəʊvəsəbˈskraɪb /

verb

1. tr; often passive to subscribe or apply for in excess of available supply

Derived Forms

• ˌoversubˈscription, noun

Other Words From

• over·sub·scriber noun
• o·ver·sub·scrip·tion [oh-ver-s, uh, b-, skrip, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversubscribe¹

First recorded in 1890–95; over- + subscribe

Example Sentences

The Breeders Cup Juvenile did not oversubscribe and Anneau D’Or is in the field.

From Los Angeles Times

On this date in 1917, Pima County became the first county in the nation to oversubscribe its Liberty Bond allotment.

From Washington Times

"We have to oversubscribe as we always expect a substantial drop-off on the day of filming," she said.

From BBC

“Every year, in a matter of hours, we oversubscribe beyond the entire 85,000 slots plus,” Issa said.

From Los Angeles Times

“A lot of ISPs oversubscribe, so you can feel the lag in the afternoon when everyone gets home,” Behroozi says.

From Time