overtax
Americanverb (used with object)
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overtaxes,
present (3rd person singular)
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overtaxed,
past participle, past
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overtaxing
present participle
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to tax too heavily.
-
to make too great demands on.
verb
-
to tax too heavily
-
to impose too great a strain on
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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overtaxsimple
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overtaxessimple
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have overtaxedperfect
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has overtaxedperfect
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am overtaxingprogressive
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are overtaxingprogressive
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is overtaxingprogressive
-
have been overtaxingperfect progressive
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has been overtaxingperfect progressive
Past
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overtaxedsimple
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had overtaxedperfect
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was overtaxingprogressive
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were overtaxingprogressive
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had been overtaxingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of overtax
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Data centers that blend into their communities and don’t overtax local resources actually exist, they just don’t make news.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
The heavy rains and floods also forced Formula One to cancel this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to not overtax emergency crews that were already stretched thin in responding to the emergency.
From Seattle Times ● May 17, 2023
Why overtax the stamina of theatergoers who are still getting back into the habit of leaving their homes for entertainment?
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 5, 2023
Just scheduled rest for the 21-year-old shortstop, whom Martinez doesn’t want to overtax despite his age.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 7, 2022
It would overtax most city clerks and factory workers to walk to and from the football or baseball games that constitute our chief national pastime.
From Our National Defense: The Patriotism of Peace by George Hebard Maxwell
She never looks less than perfectly photoshopped, but the production ultimately overtaxes her strengths.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2025
Venable distills his situation into a scene, which he then overtaxes into a full-scale play.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2025
Putting pencil to paper forces people to give spatial information—something that most liars have not prepared for as part of planning their lies and that, therefore, overtaxes their mental resources.
From Scientific American ● Sep. 27, 2011
New York is not the only U. S. city that cruelly overtaxes its real estate.
From Time Magazine Archive
He speculated also that the short growing season does not allow enough time for the essentials of existence to be carried out, and the prolonged period of inactivity overtaxes the energy reserve of the species.
From Natural History of Cottonmouth Moccasin, Agkistrodon piscovorus (Reptilia) by Ray D. Burkett
“Ella McCay” is the title of the new political comedy and Emma Mackey is the name of the actress who plays her, which seems like a hostile act of confusion aimed at overtaxed film critics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025
But on a few days each year—particularly during heat waves, when people are using air conditioners—the grid gets overtaxed.
From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2025
Supporters of reducing reliance on imported sources say pumping less water would bring environmental benefits for overtaxed ecosystems.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom has demanded an investigation as to why the hydrants ran dry, which officials say occurred as water supplies were overtaxed.
From Salon ● Jan. 11, 2025
Her voice climbs in pitch, as if she could use it to lend strength to my overtaxed arms.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Nvidia also “risks overtaxing its balance sheet,” Goldberg said, pointing to about $250 billion in commitments it made in the last quarter.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 23, 2026
Any reform plan from a committee would still require lawmakers to cast a difficult vote exposing them to charges of overtaxing working Americans or stiffing retirees.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
On both occasions, the science demonstrates that humans are overtaxing our oceans' ability to offset climate change.
From Salon ● May 9, 2024
But now Washington will hope Williams can provide a similar service, especially after their starters made a habit out of overtaxing the bullpen.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 9, 2022
"I hope my sister is not overtaxing her strength, so soon after her illness. It would be a great pity if she were to suffer a relapse."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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