overcrowded
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈkraʊdɪd/
KK: /oʊvərˈkraʊdɪd/
adjective
Definition
Having more people or things in a space than it can comfortably hold.
Example
The train was overcrowded during the rush hour, making it difficult to find a seat.
Conversation
Have you noticed how overcrowded the subway gets during rush hour?
Absolutely! It's like a can of sardines in there.
I can't believe how uncomfortable it gets with so many people.
Right? They really need to find a way to manage the crowds better.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cramped
crowded
packed
Antonyms
spacious
empty
vacant
verb
Definition
To fill a place with too many people or things, making it uncomfortable or difficult to move.
Example
The concert was overcrowded, and many people had to stand outside.
Tense Forms
Past: overcrowded
Past Participle: overcrowded
Conversation
Did you see how the bus was overcrowded this morning?
Yeah, I was surprised there was barely any room to stand.
I thought they were supposed to limit the number of passengers.
Root Explanation
Overcrowded → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "crowd" (from Old English *crūdan*, meaning to press or push together) and "-ed" (a suffix indicating a state or condition). The word "overcrowded" means in a state of being excessively filled with people or things, pressed together beyond capacity.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'excessively' ('over-') 'pressed together' ('crowd') — that's why overcrowded means too many people or things in one place.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.