overextend

American  

[oh-ver-ik-stend] / ˌoʊ vər ɪkˈstɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to extend, reach, or expand beyond a proper, safe, or reasonable point.

   a company that overextended its credit to diversify.

2. to extend for too long a time.

   to overextend a stay.

3. to obligate (oneself ) to more activities, work, etc., than one has time for or can accomplish well.

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Other Word Forms

• overextension
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of overextend

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

overextend

Only a couple of compact cars sell for less than $15,000, and a robust vehicle-financing market may tempt many buyers to overextend themselves for pricier cars, with term loans creeping above five years.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 3, 2025

Merchan also argued that the prosecutors did not overextend, but Daniels herself elaborated on testimony needlessly.

From Slate ● May 7, 2024

He's having to really charge forward with intent and almost overextend to try and make contact with the head of Vargas.

From BBC ● Mar. 8, 2024

What makes buy now, pay later plans alluring is also what makes it hazardous: It’s easy to overextend yourself on a large purchase because the broken-up payments seem more affordable.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2022

But we need not on that account maintain a standard comparable to that of a neighbor whom we admire if, in doing so, we overextend ourselves.

From The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book by William F. (William Frederick) Bigelow

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Related Words

• drain
• fatigue
• frazzle
• impoverish
• overwork
• sap
• tire out
• use up
• weaken
• wear out
• weary

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