overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
overextended; overextending; overextends

transitive verb

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point
especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
overextension noun

Examples of overextend in a Sentence

He overextended a muscle in his arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These Grizzlies are overextended after such a strange season, but still … how can anyone stop such a balanced powerhouse? Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Otherwise, employees either overextend themselves or underdeliver, unsure of how to manage competing priorities without visual cues from coworkers. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The staffing surge during the pandemic, which was intended to address student learning loss and provide social-emotional support, has left many districts overextended. Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025 There’s a better way, one that avoids the extremes of draining the business for lifestyle or overextending it for growth. Patrick Lonergan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overextend

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overextend was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overextend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overextend. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

overextend

verb
over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point
especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
overextension noun

Medical Definition

overextend

transitive verb
over·​ex·​tend ˌō-və-rik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
: to extend too far
overextend the back
overextension noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overextend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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