Overcrowding: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe situations where too many people are in a particular space, leading to discomfort or safety issues, typically relevant in confined spaces such as prisons, schools, or public transport.

• The overcrowding in the subway during rush hour makes it difficult to breathe.
• Overcrowding in classrooms can negatively impact students' learning experience.

Typically used to describe traffic or network situations where there is an excessive buildup causing delays and slow movement, affecting roads, internet servers, or even nasal passages in medical terms.

• The congestion on the highway during the holidays can add hours to your travel time.
• Internet congestion during peak hours can slow down your connection.

Describes the general state of a place being full of people, often used in a more neutral or descriptive manner without the negative implications of discomfort or problems.

• The crowdedness of the market during the festival made it hard to move.

Refers to situations where the number of people exceeds the carrying capacity of a region or environment, leading to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and quality of life issues.

• Overpopulation in urban areas can lead to environmental problems and a strain on public services.
• Efforts to control overpopulation through family planning have been discussed at global conferences.

Used to describe a situation where there are too many people or things in a particular space, often causing discomfort or difficulty. Common in discussing issues in places like prisons, schools, and public transportation.

• The overcrowding in the subway during rush hour makes it hard to breathe.
• Overcrowding in schools is affecting the quality of education.

Focuses on the larger-scale issue of too many people living in a particular area, generally cities or countries. It is often discussed in the context of environmental and social problems.

• Overpopulation in urban areas is leading to various economic and social issues.

Often refers to traffic or network problems where there is too much movement causing delays and blockages. It can also describe health issues related to fluid build-up in the body.

• The traffic congestion downtown is unbearable during peak hours.
• Due to a cold, she is experiencing nasal congestion.

Describes situations where a place is filled with so many people that it becomes uncomfortable. It can be used in various settings such as events, housing, and public areas.

• The concert was held under crowded conditions, making it hard to move around.