overall

[oh-ver-awl, oh-ver-awl]

adverb

1. from one extreme limit of a thing to the other.

   the overall length of the bridge.

2. covering or including everything.

   an overall impression;

   to view something overall.

noun

1. (used with a plural verb),  overalls,

   1. loose, sturdy trousers, usually with a bib or biblike piece to which shoulder straps are attached, originally worn over other trousers to protect them, as by factory workers or farmers.

   2. long waterproof leggings.

2. British.,  a smock or loose-fitting housedress.

overall

adjective

1. from one end to the other

2. including or covering everything

   the overall cost

adverb

1. in general; on the whole

noun

1. a protective work garment usually worn over ordinary clothes

2. (plural) hard-wearing work trousers with a bib and shoulder straps or jacket attached

Word History and Origins

Origin of overall¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English overal (adverb), Old English ofer eall; over ( def. ), all ( def. )

Example Sentences

Expectations for the next six months among German companies dipped slightly in the month, driving the overall index downward, though assessments for current business conditions inched higher, Ifo said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The findings consistently show that UPFs are crowding out traditional dietary patterns, lowering overall diet quality, and contributing to higher risks of many chronic diseases.

Read more on Science Daily

“With our clear strategic focus, our revised risk appetite framework, and overall strengthened risk function and processes, we are now entirely aligned around our core wealth management proposition,” Chief Executive Stefan Bollinger said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Obesity increases the risk of a range of diseases, including diabetes and heart problems, and often reduces overall quality of life.

Read more on Science Daily

It is a fourth Davis Cup title overall for Italy, who are the first nation to win three straight titles since defending champions stopped receiving automatic qualification to the final 53 years ago.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• comprehensive 
• global 
• long-term