overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

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

ˌō-vər-ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

noun

Examples of overextend in a Sentence

He overextended a muscle in his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are risks to overextending the welcome, but potential rewards can be just as plentiful. —Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

The rapid recovery has spurred other investor concerns, and some worry the stock market rally is overextended. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 May 2025

Identify opportunities to expand your revenue base without overextending resources. —David Zybin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Mitchell looks overextended, averaging 34 points per game but shooting just 22 percent on 3s. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overextend

• overextend oneself

Rhymes for overextend

• superintend
• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend

Kids Definition

overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend 

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point

especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid

overextension

-ˈsten-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

overextend

transitive verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-və-rik-ˈstend 

: to extend too far

overextend the back

overextension

-ˈsten-chən 

noun