oversell

[oh-ver-sel]

verb (used with object)

oversold, overselling 

1. to sell more of (a stock, product, etc.) than can be delivered.

2. to sell aggressively, as by using high-pressure merchandising techniques.

3. to emphasize the good points of excessively and to a self-defeating extent.

   She so oversold the picnic that I became convinced I'd have a better time at the movies.

verb (used without object)

oversold, overselling 

1. to sell something aggressively.

2. to make extreme claims for something or someone.

oversell

/ ˌəʊvəˈsɛl /

verb

1. (tr) to sell more of (a commodity) than can be supplied

2. to use excessively aggressive methods in selling (commodities)

3. (tr) to exaggerate the merits of

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversell¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + sell ¹

Example Sentences

“We’re not trying to over-hype or oversell something we can’t deliver.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As a period piece, it doesn’t oversell the era.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

OK, maybe that’s a sensational oversell — but his latest character knows that news stories need a hook to draw readers in fast.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Olsen: But when you see that moment in the script, in particular that very distinctive two-word phrase — your delivery of it is so fantastic because you don’t oversell the line.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For this reason, it’s important not to oversell the potential role suzetrigine may play in future pain care.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• exaggerate 
• magnify 
• overestimate 
• overvalue