overburden

American  

[oh-ver-bur-dn, oh-ver-bur-dn] / ˌoʊ vərˈbɜr dn, ˈoʊ vərˌbɜr dn /

verb (used with object)

1. to load with too great a burden; overload.

   He was overburdened with cares.

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noun

1. an excessive burden.

2. Also called burden, capping.  Mining. waste earth and rock covering a mineral deposit.

overburden British  

verb

1. (tr) to load with excessive weight, work, etc

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noun

1. an excessive burden or load

2. geology the sedimentary rock material that covers coal seams, mineral veins, etc

Other Word Forms

• overburdensome adjective

Etymology

Origin of overburden

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + burden ¹

Example Sentences

Generally colliery tips were located on steep hillsides, whereas Ffos-y-Fran's overburden mounds sit "on ground with gentle gradients", with differences too in terms of how they were constructed and their drainage systems, they said.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

The published proposal said $100 billion should be a "minimum" and provide a safety net when climate impacts overburden a country's capacity to cope.

From Reuters • Sep. 6, 2023

The bankruptcy trustee alleged the producers and Lemonis worked to divide the business owners and overburden the company with debt.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2023

But while Bowser said she agreed with 95 percent of the changes, she vetoed the legislation over concerns with several provisions she contended would not make the city safer and would overburden the courts.

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2023

“We cannot overburden our pack animals; the Princess Eilonwy and Gurgi will share our own horses.”

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• encumber
• oppress
• overwhelm