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

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

More traditional methods of building credit, such as using a secured credit card or opening a regular credit card with a relatively small limit, have guardrails in place to help prevent consumers from overextending themselves financially, Boneparth says. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 June 2025

Focus on your public image and long-term ambitions, but be mindful of not overextending yourself. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 June 2025

Here’s how taking that extra step without overextending can create lasting impressions in business. —Jacob Orrin, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Indeed, your guilt may be prompting you to overcompensate and overextend. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025

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