overstretch

1 of 2

noun

over·​stretch ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 

plural overstretches

: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits

an overstretch of political power

… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.

—Robert G. Patman

overstretch

2 of 2

verb

over·​stretch ˌō-vər-ˈstrech 

overstretched; overstretching

transitive + intransitive

: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits

Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.

—Eileen Hobden

temperature changes causing the tire to overstretch

They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.

Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.

—Christina McAnea

Examples of overstretch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ray Dalio repeatedly warned of this scenario: spiraling debt leading to economic and military overstretch, unchecked inequality, declining investments in education and infrastructure, ultimately eroding trust through endless debt accumulation and money printing. —Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment. —Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Verb

Meanwhile, a sudden, sharp pain may be a sign of tendon or muscle strain, an injury that occurs when the tissue is overstretched or torn. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 2025

However, Circle’s current valuation might be overstretched. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overstretch

• overstretch oneself

Rhymes for overstretch

• etch
• fetch
• fletch
• ketch
• sketch
• stretch
• vetch
• wretch