overmatch

[ oh-ver-mach ]

verb (used with object)

1. to be more than a match for; surpass; defeat:

   an assignment that clearly overmatched his abilities; an able task force that overmatched the enemy fleet.

2. to match (a competitor) against another of superior strength, ability, or the like.

overmatch

verb

1. to be more than a match for
2. to match with a superior opponent

noun

1. a person superior in ability
2. a match in which one contestant is superior

Word History and Origins

Origin of overmatch¹

First recorded in 1300–50, overmatch is from the Middle English word overmacchen. See over-, match ²

Example Sentences

Since 1950, storms that overmatch design specifications for infrastructure like dikes and dams have become increasingly common around the country, according to a 2019 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

From Time

It is not too much to say that the conqueror of Port Republic was an overmatch in strategy and technique of war for his opponents.

From Project Gutenberg

The late king of Prussia was more than once pitted against his imperial sovereign; and commonly proved an overmatch for him.

From Project Gutenberg

The rich returns of honest labor render harmless temptations which would prove an overmatch for the average virtue of New England.

From Project Gutenberg

No facts or evidence can prove an overmatch for the inherited convictions of a thousand generations.

From Project Gutenberg

He certainly would be an overmatch for me, I knew, should I try to stand up to him, but that was not my intention.

From Project Gutenberg