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

Etymology

Origin of overextend

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

Example Sentences

Don’t overextend yourself in shoveling the largest amounts of snow you can.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

Unlike the 10-percenters, who still need to be careful not to overextend their spending, running out of money is simply “not a concern for the top 1%,” Honsberger said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025

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

Young kids are active, but it’s important to make sure they don’t overextend themselves when temperatures are high.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2023

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)

Related Words

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