overburden

1 of 2

verb

over·​bur·​den ˌō-vər-ˈbər-dᵊn 

overburdened; overburdening; overburdens

transitive verb

: to place an excessive burden on

overburden

2 of 2

noun

over·​bur·​den ˈō-vər-ˌbər-dᵊn 

: material overlying a deposit of useful geologic materials or bedrock

Synonyms of overburden

Verb

• overload
• load
• burden

Examples of overburden in a Sentence

Verb

She overburdened me with work.

Why overburden yourself when people are offering to help?

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

People not in those team meetings won’t know if the Panthers coaches overburdened their players. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Three midfielders did arrive, but there was an assumption Willock was going to leave, so that is part of the reason why Newcastle look overburdened in that area. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Noun

So, Connecticut relies heavily on a property tax — that its reports say overburdens working households — to fund most municipal expenses. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026

This allows for additional overburden in the form of rock, soil or concrete. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overburden

• burden
• unburden