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

How these organisms do manage to deal with excessive amounts of light was a scientific mystery.

From Science Daily

Plans aimed at preventing companies that run children's homes in England from making excessive profits will be set out by the government on Monday.

From BBC

The challenger complained to the referee about Taylor's excessive holding as both women trading punches in a terrific fifth, Serrano with the accurate blows.

From BBC

Eaton said that replacing just 30 minutes of excessive sitting time each day with any type of physical activity can lower heart health risks.

From Science Daily

Perhaps it was Babitz’s lack of self-discipline, or her excessive drug use, or the incipient onset of Huntington’s disease, which would eventually take her life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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