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

See Examples For:

overextend

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

From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026

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

Some analysts have said this can lead consumers to overextend themselves or take on more debt than they can manage or afford.

From Seattle Times ● May 22, 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

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 William F. (William Frederick) Bigelow

Related Words

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