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

Trump is not getting a glowing endorsement on his immigration approach from Americans overall, the new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found. — Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Wiebes leads Kim Le Court Pienaar by 14 seconds overall, with the 2023 Tour champion Demi Vollering another two seconds back in third. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

Samuel spent six seasons with the 49ers and played in two Super Bowls after being drafted 36th overall in 2019 and developing into one of the most unique skill players in the NFL. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among people who do not smoke. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026

Adjective

New data reveals work stress traps individuals in a negative feedback loop, severely impacting sleep and overall performance. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Yes, he was outplayed by veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler on the final play of Friday’s practice but overall Proctor showed good feet, good agility and was solid in pass protection. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 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