overdesign

verb

over·​de·​sign ˌō-vər-di-ˈzīn How to pronounce overdesign (audio)
overdesigned; overdesigning; overdesigns

transitive verb

: to design in a manner that is excessively complex or that exceeds usual standards (as of sturdiness or safety)

Examples of overdesign in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The present system is overdesigned for those surges, with earthen levees and concrete structures containing as much as 3 feet of extra storage space, or freeboard, to account for subsidence and sea level rise over their 50-year design life. Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 22 May 2018 To me that ring is a mix of something that is really strong, and old, and feminine, and not overdesigned, which is all that Ruth embodies. Thomas Beller, Town & Country, 26 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overdesign.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdesign was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near overdesign

Cite this Entry

“Overdesign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdesign. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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