overuse

1 of 2

verb

over·​use ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 

overused; overusing

transitive verb

: 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

overuse

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms of overuse

Verb

• stereotype
• overexpose
• popularize
• vulgarize
• exhaust
• overdo
• bore

Examples 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

Verb

There are a handful of very effective jump scares, especially early on, but Cregger wisely doesn’t overuse them. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

But 1984 is continuously overused by fans as evidence of what the program can achieve. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

Avoid overuse injuries by changing your frequency and intensity. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

Changing weather patterns are pushing some fungi to expand their geographic range, and the overuse of antifungals in medicine, agriculture, and livestock farming has driven them to develop resistance to these drugs. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overuse

• avenues
• barbecues
• cockatoos
• interviews
• kangaroos
• obliquus
• overshoes
• overviews
• residues
• revenues
• tyrannus
• accrues

Kids Definition

overuse

1 of 2 verb

over·​use

-ˈyüz

: to use too much

an overused phrase

overuse

2 of 2 noun

over·​use

-ˈyüs

: too much use