overspend

verb

over·​spend ˌō-vər-ˈspend How to pronounce overspend (audio)
overspent ˌō-vər-ˈspent How to pronounce overspend (audio) ; overspending

transitive verb

1
: to spend or use to excess : exhaust
2
: to exceed in expenditure

intransitive verb

: to spend beyond one's means
overspender noun

Examples of overspend in a Sentence

The studio clearly overspent on marketing, and the movie was still a flop.
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.
The union said the district is overspending on things such as legal services, public relations and consulting. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 Many Hollywood workers have struggled to find roles, as studios cut down on their programming after the 2023 actor and writer strikes and after overspending during the streaming wars. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 For example, our agent once noticed a drop in CTR and restarted an ad campaign on its own, overspending the budget. Dima Raketa, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 There’s no denying that the Allegra K Chiffon Button-Down Shirt is a sure way to look polished without overspending. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overspend

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overspend was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Overspend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overspend. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on overspend

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