oversell

verb

over·​sell ˌō-vər-ˈsel 

oversold ˌō-vər-ˈsōld  ; overselling

transitive verb

1

a

: to sell too much or too many to

b

: to sell too much or too many of

2

: to make excessive claims for

oversell

ˈō-vər-ˌsel 

noun

Examples of oversell in a Sentence

Hotels routinely oversell their rooms, expecting a small percentage of no-shows.

Don't oversell yourself in the job interview.

The salesman oversold the features on the new model.

Recent Examples on the Web

Only three names can be considered technically oversold. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026

So what’s the conclusion – is Oracle oversold or justifiably penalized? —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Even if future research identifies conditions in which cannabis is effective treatment, the medical benefits of marijuana have clearly been oversold and overpromoted in Illinois — to progressively fewer patients. —Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

But then the coach oversold the quarterback by pushing for his four-year, $212 million contract. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for oversell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

Kids Definition

oversell

verb

over·​sell ˌō-vər-ˈsel 

oversold -ˈsōld  ; overselling

: to sell too much to or of