oversubscribed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərsəˈkraɪbd/
KK: /oʊvərsəˈkraɪbd/
adjective
Definition
Describing a situation where there are more requests or interest than available capacity or resources.
Example
The concert was oversubscribed, with tickets selling out in minutes due to high demand.
Conversation
Did you hear that the concert is oversubscribed this year?
Yeah, I saw that! It's crazy how many people want to go.
I guess they didn't expect such high demand.
Right? It’s disappointing for those who didn’t get tickets.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overbooked
crowded
saturated
Antonyms
available
underbooked
vacant
verb
Definition
To have more requests or applications for something than there are available spots or resources.
Example
The event was oversubscribed, leading to many disappointed attendees who couldn't get tickets.
Tense Forms
Past: oversubscribed
Past Participle: oversubscribed
Conversation
Did you hear that the concert tickets got oversubscribed?
Yeah, I read about that! It's crazy how fast they sold out.
I was hoping to get some for us, but I guess we missed our chance.
Root Explanation
Oversubscribed → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "subscribe" (from Latin "subscribere", meaning to write underneath or to sign). The word describes a situation where there are more requests or commitments than available resources, indicating an excessive level of subscription or participation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over' meaning too much and 'subscribe' meaning to sign up or commit. This helps you remember that 'oversubscribed' refers to having too many people signed up or committed.
Visually Confused Words
resubscribe