EXCESSIVE definition: going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree; characterized by excess. See examples of excessive used in a sentence.

excessive, immoderate, inordinate, extravagant, exorbitant, extreme mean going beyond a normal limit. excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

Excessive exercise can sometimes cause health problems. Any more pudding would simply be excessive.

Definition of excessive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

These adjectives mean exceeding a normal, usual, reasonable, or proper limit. Excessive has the widest range: excessive drinking; excessive debt. Immoderate and intemperate denote a lack …

Jan 2, 2026 · excessive (comparative more excessive, superlative most excessive) The movie's excessive use of special effects distracted from the plot.

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the word excessive, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.