1. a situation in which the demand for something exceeds the available supply
Usage: finance; business
2. the condition of having more applications or requests than can be accommodated
Usage: education; services

Examples

• The IPO experienced significant oversubscription, with investors requesting five times more shares than available.
• Due to oversubscription, the popular university had to reject many qualified applicants.
• The bond issue’s oversubscription indicated strong investor confidence in the company.
• Oversubscription of the housing program meant many families remained on the waiting list.
• The concert’s oversubscription led to additional shows being scheduled.
• Investment advisors warned about oversubscription risks in the hot stock market.