overstretch

[oh-ver-strech, oh-ver-strech, oh-ver-strech]

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch excessively.

2. to stretch or extend over.

noun

1. an act or instance of overstretching.

overstretch

/ ˌəʊvəˈstrɛtʃ /

verb

1. to make excessive demands or put excessive pressure on (oneself, finances, etc)

2. to stretch (muscles or limbs) too much or too hard

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstretch¹

1300–50; Middle English overstrecchen; over-, stretch

Example Sentences

Unite Secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: "Scotland is losing highly skilled jobs, decent affordable housing remains out of reach and public services remain underfunded and overstretched. Wages and living standards just aren't keeping up."

Read more on BBC

Either way, Pakistan’s overstretched forces face a revitalized insurgency that could extend into India and beyond.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“China always opposes overstretching the concept of national security and discriminatory moves that target companies from certain countries,” Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a regular press briefing Monday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The spokesperson said that for "a long time", the US had "overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures" and "adopted discriminatory practices against China".

Read more on BBC

However, while welcoming the move to pharmacy care, Ms Puw warned it was essential to "make sure there is funding in place to upskill" staff, adding community pharmacy teams were already "overstretched".

Read more on BBC