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.

---

Other Word Forms

• overextension noun

Etymology

Origin of overextend

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

Example Sentences

You also have to make sure that by taking out the money, you aren’t overextending yourself — or you may end up in a precarious financial position.

From MarketWatch

“The U.S. equity market’s current combination of elevated valuations, extreme concentration, and strong recent returns rhymes with a handful of overextended equity markets during the last century,” says Snider and team.

From MarketWatch

From flagrant noncompete bids to overextended “emergency” contracts and open markets of fraud and nepotism, the disarray of New York City’s social services harms everyone and benefits few.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I did not know, until Gary passed away, that we were overextended and that Gary needed money to repay debts and maintain his lifestyle.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Media organizations should also explore creative deal structures — including minority stakes, joint ventures, and content-sharing alliances — to secure access to essential assets and technologies without overextending their balance sheets.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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