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

When the interest rate went up, he found he'd overextended himself.

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

Cissé would have fit the bill of a young player that would get minutes, but not be overloaded with too much of a burden that would have overextended his talent. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Saddled with the front-facing responsibilities that accompanied the prestigious role, the young forward overextended himself early into his tenure. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 22 July 2026

At the same time, Jupiter’s opposition to Pluto retrograde reminds us that ambition without self-awareness can inevitably cloud our judgment, tempting us to overextend ourselves in the relentless pursuit of success. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Zverev lost in five sets to Alcaraz in the semifinals at the Australian Open this year and lost 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 to Sinner on Sunday after overextending his knee in the third set. — ABC News, 12 July 2026

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