over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 
overused; overusing
: to use (something) too much : to use (something) excessively or too frequently
a word that has been greatly overused
At best, gatekeepers can keep everyone from overusing costly high-tech treatments when primary care is enough.—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüs
: too much use : excessive or too frequent use
the overuse of antibiotics
athletes suffering from overuse injuries
His overuse of four-letter words—often a dozen per page—may accurately mirror a macho world where cussing is cool, but it is tedious to read.—Frederick Kaufman
Frederick KaufmanExamples of overuse in a Sentence
Verb
she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws
Recent Examples on the Web
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
When pelvic floor muscles are being overused, used improperly, or are weak, your running gait may be less efficient and powerful, Rogers says.
—Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The resulting changes in the brain fuel further craving for and overuse of the substance – in this case, highly rewarding food.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
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Verb
Prominent figures including Green Bay Packers star linebacker Micah Parsons and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy criticized the Eagles for overusing the play on social media.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
When pelvic floor muscles are being overused, used improperly, or are weak, your running gait may be less efficient and powerful, Rogers says.
—Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
Burnette arrived at Notre Dame with some lingering hip issues brought on by overuse in Chapel Hill, per special teams coach Marty Biagi.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The resulting changes in the brain fuel further craving for and overuse of the substance – in this case, highly rewarding food.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overuse. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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