over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 
overused; overusing
: to use (something) too much : to use (something) excessively or too frequently
a word that has been greatly overused
At best, gatekeepers can keep everyone from overusing costly high-tech treatments when primary care is enough.—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüs
: too much use : excessive or too frequent use
the overuse of antibiotics
athletes suffering from overuse injuries
His overuse of four-letter words—often a dozen per page—may accurately mirror a macho world where cussing is cool, but it is tedious to read.—Frederick Kaufman
Frederick KaufmanExamples of overuse in a Sentence
Verb
she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
Annabelle has been in so many movies now, to the point of being overused (the real doll has even been suspected of paranormal activity recently).
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
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Verb
When pelvic floor muscles are being overused, used improperly, or are weak, your running gait may be less efficient and powerful, Rogers says.
—Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
Annabelle has been in so many movies now, to the point of being overused (the real doll has even been suspected of paranormal activity recently).
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
There are concerns that overuse could hinder him in the postseason.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overuse. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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