oversaturated
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd/
KK: /oʊvərˈsætʃəˌreɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Having too much of something, especially liquid, so that it cannot hold any more.
Example
The market became oversaturated with similar products, making it hard for any one brand to stand out.
Conversation
Have you noticed how the market feels oversaturated with new products lately?
Yeah, it's like every week there's something new to try!
I wonder if that makes it harder for good products to stand out.
Definitely! The good ones often get lost in the noise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
saturated
overloaded
filled
Antonyms
unsaturated
depleted
empty
verb
Definition
To fill something with too much of a substance, making it unable to absorb or hold any more.
Example
The market became oversaturated with similar products, leading to decreased sales for everyone.
Tense Forms
Past: oversaturated
Past Participle: oversaturated
Conversation
Did you notice how the market has oversaturated with new coffee shops lately?
Yeah, it feels like there’s one on every corner now!
Exactly! I think some of them will have to close soon.
Root Explanation
Oversaturated → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "saturare" (from Latin, meaning to fill or soak). The word "oversaturated" means excessively filled or soaked beyond capacity.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'excessively' ('over-') 'filled' ('saturare') — that's why oversaturated means too much of something.
Visually Confused Words
veratrate
saturated
nonsaturated