Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicides globally, acting by inhibiting the 3-enolpyruvylshikimate-5-phosphate (EPSP) synthase enzyme and disrupting aromatic amino acid synthesis in plants.This review critically evaluates glyphosate’s mechanism of action, global usage trends, environmental persistence, herbicide resistance, and potential ecological and human health impacts.Peer-reviewed literature, regulatory reports, and monitoring studies were systematically analyzed to assess glyphosate occurrence in soil and water, its primary metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), resistance in weed species, and toxicological evidence. The global consumption of Glyphosate will reach 740,000–920,000 tonnes by 2025, reflecting a substantial increase since the 1990s.Although glyphosate strongly adsorbs to soil and undergoes microbial degradation, residues persist in environmental matrices and may exceed safety thresholds. Repeated applications have contributed to herbicide-resistant weeds, increasing reliance on higher dosages. Despite low acute toxicity, potential risks to non-target organisms, soil microbiota, water quality, biodiversity, and long-term human health remain concerns. While glyphosate remains agriculturally important, its extensive use necessitates continuous monitoring, integrated weed management, and rigorous risk assessment to ensure environmental and public health protection.