overcommit
verb
over·com·mit
ˌō-vər-kə-ˈmit 
overcommitted; overcommitting; overcommits
: to commit excessively: such as
a
: to obligate (someone, such as oneself) beyond the ability for fulfillment
b
: to allocate (resources) in excess of the capacity for replenishment
Examples of overcommit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Feasibility Of Contractual Obligations Do not overcommit the organization to contractual obligations that may become unsustainable in the future.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Just don’t overcommit — full moons are chaotic, and your calendar can’t hold everything.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 3 Aug. 2025
Follow Leon on LinkedIn or connect with him at Focal Point Coaching
Jennifer Scott Mobley, Ph.D. - Executive Coach
Jennifer Scott Mobley recognizes that leaders often overcommit, not from poor judgment, but from genuine care.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025
If John overcommits in these moments, especially when his defenders are better set to handle the situation, there’s a risk that his confidence could occasionally put him in trouble.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Don’t overcommit or glamorize routines that drain you.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
For instance, their tendency to overcommit and prioritize work above all else can lead to stress, burnout and emotional disconnection.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
However, Venus in Aquarius reminds you to temper the fun with practicality and mindfulness, so don’t overcommit or stress about making the night perfect.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
For example, many of us overcommit due to a fear of disappointing others or missing out on opportunities.
—Israa Nasir, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Just don’t overcommit — full moons are chaotic, and your calendar can’t hold everything.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 3 Aug. 2025
Follow Leon on LinkedIn or connect with him at Focal Point Coaching
Jennifer Scott Mobley, Ph.D. - Executive Coach
Jennifer Scott Mobley recognizes that leaders often overcommit, not from poor judgment, but from genuine care.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025
If John overcommits in these moments, especially when his defenders are better set to handle the situation, there’s a risk that his confidence could occasionally put him in trouble.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Don’t overcommit or glamorize routines that drain you.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
For instance, their tendency to overcommit and prioritize work above all else can lead to stress, burnout and emotional disconnection.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
However, Venus in Aquarius reminds you to temper the fun with practicality and mindfulness, so don’t overcommit or stress about making the night perfect.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
For example, many of us overcommit due to a fear of disappointing others or missing out on opportunities.
—Israa Nasir, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Overcommit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcommit. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share