oversell

American  

[oh-ver-sel] / ˌoʊ vərˈsɛl /

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.

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verb (used without object)

oversold, overselling

1. to sell something aggressively.

2. to make extreme claims for something or someone.

oversell British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of oversell

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

Example Sentences

There’s no need to oversell it.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exaggerate
• magnify
• overestimate
• overvalue