oversell

verb

over·​sell ˌō-vər-ˈsel How to pronounce oversell (audio)
oversold ˌō-vər-ˈsōld How to pronounce oversell (audio) ; 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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
UnitedHealth was noticeably absent from the major averages’ surge this past week – and shares of the beleaguered insurer have become historically oversold. Pia Singh, CNBC, 17 May 2025 For more than six years, the Swains and other families pursued wrongful death suits, saying Mr. Combs had oversold the game, and that bad planning and inadequate security had led to the tragedy. Ben Sisario, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 That could help markets rebound if investors believe stocks are oversold. David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025 By contrast, an RSI below 30 indicates that a stock might be oversold and see a rebound in the event of market gains. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oversell

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oversell was in 1576

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oversell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oversell. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

oversell

verb
over·​sell ˌō-vər-ˈsel How to pronounce oversell (audio)
oversold -ˈsōld How to pronounce oversell (audio) ; overselling
: to sell too much to or of
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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