overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 

1

: all over sense 1

the pattern used overall

2

: from one end to the other

600 feet long overall

3

a

: in view of all the circumstances or conditions

overall, the sale was a success

b

: as a whole : generally

doesn't do as well overall

overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power

—Time

c

: with everyone or everything taken into account

was third overall in earnings

got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

a

overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz  plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

b

usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

2

chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

Illustration of overall

• overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl  ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

: including everything

2

: viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms of overall

Adverb

• collectively
• generally
• broadly
• all around
• all in all
• together
• altogether

Adjective

• general
• generic

Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb

He made a few mistakes but did well overall.

Overall, the project was successful.

Adjective

your overall score after two rounds

His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.

Your overall health is sound.

She likes the overall quality of the product.

The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Pennsylvania voters are often an indicator of how the country will swing overall, and because the state is on the East Coast, Fitzpatrick's district is one to watch as returns come in. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Both permitted touchdown receptions on Sunday, but Brents overall allowed just 14 yards in his coverage area on four targets, while Marshall yielded 72 yards on four targets. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

Offensive line The group was exceptional in the run game and overall did a good job protecting Willis, who was sacked twice by a Jets defense that entered the game fifth in the league in sacks with 17. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

However, back-to-back losses to TCU and Kansas leaves the Bears 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Higher mortgage rates are also giving buyers leverage to press sellers for money to buy down their rate for a few years or for the life of the loan, reducing their overall borrowing costs. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Preventing recurrence for just a few more years is positive, but overall survival results take longer to emerge. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overall

• the overall scheme of things

Rhymes for overall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb

over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl 

: as a whole : generally

we find your work satisfactory, overall

overall

2 of 2 adjective

ˌō-və-ˈrȯl, 

ˈō-və-ˌrȯl

1

: including everything

overall expenses

2

: viewed as a whole : general