oversupply
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈsʌplaɪ/
KK: /oʊvərsəplaɪ/
noun
Definition
A situation where there is more of something available than is needed or wanted.
Example
The oversupply of goods led to lower prices in the market.
Conversation
Have you heard about the recent oversupply of oranges this season?
Yeah, I read that prices are dropping because of it.
It's crazy how much fruit is just going to waste.
I know! It’s a shame when there's too much of a good thing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glut
surplus
excess
Antonyms
shortage
deficit
lack
transitive verb
Definition
To provide more of something than is needed or wanted.
Example
The company oversupplied the market with their new product, leading to a drop in prices.
Tense Forms
Past: oversupplied
Past Participle: oversupplied
Conversation
Did you hear that they oversupplied the store with toilet paper again?
Yeah, I saw that! It’s crazy how much they ordered.
I guess they just want to be prepared for anything.
Root Explanation
Oversupply → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "supply" (from Old French *supplyer*, meaning to provide or furnish). The word "oversupply" means to provide or furnish excessively, beyond what is needed.
Memory Tip
Think of providing something 'excessively' ('over-') — that's why oversupply means to provide too much.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.