overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 

1

: all over sense 1

the pattern used overall

2

: from one end to the other

600 feet long overall

3

a

: in view of all the circumstances or conditions

overall, the sale was a success

b

: as a whole : generally

doesn't do as well overall

overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power

—Time

c

: with everyone or everything taken into account

was third overall in earnings

got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

a

overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz  plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

b

usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

2

chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

Illustration of overall

• overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl  ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

: including everything

2

: viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms

Adverb

• all around
• all told
• altogether
• collectedly
• collectively
• inclusively
• together

Adjective

• across-the-board
• blanket
• broad-brush
• common
• general
• generic
• global
• universal

Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb

He made a few mistakes but did well overall.

Overall, the project was successful.

Adjective

your overall score after two rounds

His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.

Your overall health is sound.

She likes the overall quality of the product.

The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Indiana has gone 2-3 without Clark, and the Fever are 4-5 on the 2025 season overall. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 14 June 2025

Asian women, by contrast, report the fewest symptoms overall. —Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

Noun

Back in 2019, the Giants drafted Jones No. 6 overall to be a pillar of the franchise for the foreseeable future. —Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025

Read on to find out what the richest city in Louisiana is, plus the top 15 wealthiest cities in the state overall. —Andrew Depietro, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Adjective

Today’s market is neither hot nor cold, so the present asking price decay curve likely resembles the overall average. —John Walkup, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

According to an analysis from the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government, this will boost overall participation and reduce racial and economic disparities. —Sharon Sewell-Fairman, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overall

• the overall scheme of things

Rhymes for overall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb

over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl 

: as a whole : generally

we find your work satisfactory, overall

overall

2 of 2 adjective

ˌō-və-ˈrȯl,

ˈō-və-ˌrȯl

1

: including everything

overall expenses

2

: viewed as a whole : general