excessive
More than what is necessary, normal, or desirable; too much.
Examples
In a meeting
“The excessive number of approval steps is slowing down delivery.”
Over coffee
“I think three hours of screen time a day is excessive for a toddler.”
Why this word
too much
Excessive is formal and specifically means beyond reasonable or proper limits, while too much is informal and subjective
extreme
Excessive implies surpassing acceptable bounds, while extreme means far from average without necessarily being wrong
undue
Excessive emphasizes quantity beyond limits, while undue focuses on inappropriateness or lack of justification
Usage tip
Always implies a negative judgment — excessive is never a good thing. Compare with 'ample' which is positive.
Etymology
Latin excessus — ex (out) + cedere (to go), literally 'going beyond'
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Related words
benchmark
A standard or point of reference for measuring or comparing performance.
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
negligible
So small or unimportant as to not be worth considering.
relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
nominal
Very small or far below the actual value