overextend

American

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

verb (used with object)

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

a company that overextended its credit to diversify.
to extend for too long a time.

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

overextension

noun

Etymology

Origin of overextend

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

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.

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

Some are likely even willing to overextend their budgets or go into debt to be able to take their dream vacation.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 2, 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 Bigelow, William F. (William Frederick)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023