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

Other Word Forms

• excessively adverb
• excessiveness noun
• nonexcessive adjective
• nonexcessiveness noun
• quasi-excessive adjective
• unexcessive 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

An accountancy administrator has been awarded more than £14,000 after an employment tribunal ruled the time she spent browsing sites such as Rightmove and Amazon was not "excessive".

From BBC

Kishandas, he said, "broke her trust" and displayed "excessive cruelty in throwing the remaining liquid on her" while she burned.

From BBC

“With excessive noise, disruptive behavior, obstruction of the public right of way, litter and vandalism, party houses are well-known to impact neighborhood quality and threaten public safety,” L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Mass demonstrations, fuelled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.

From BBC

"However, the potential downsides include nutrient deficiencies, increased cholesterol, excessive hunger, irritability, headaches and reduced adherence over time," says Prof Misra.

From BBC

Related Words

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