overwork
verb (used with object)
to cause to work too hard, too much, or too long; weary or exhaust with work (often used reflexively).
had been overworking
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past perfect progressiveof overwork.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mother had been overworking, for we are poor and she had had us two children to bring up, as my father is dead.
From Six Little Bunkers at Aunt Jo's by Laura Lee Hope
There seems to be a general break-down, as if he had been overworking or starving himself.
From The Price by Francis Lynde
He had been overworking himself for weeks, Dr. Adams was saying, and had been living on a poor diet that would scarcely keep a medium-sized pup going.
From The Year When Stardust Fell by Raymond F. Jones
He had been overworking himself in the attempt to settle a dock strike, and had come to Duddon to rest.
From The Mating of Lydia by Mrs. Humphry Ward
He had been overworking himself for some time past, and his mental sufferings made him at times abrupt, in spite of his good-natured complacency.
From Doctor Pascal by Mary J. (Mary Jane) Serrano
