overwork

American  

[oh-ver-wurk, oh-ver-wurk] / ˌoʊ vərˈwɜrk, ˈoʊ vərˌwɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to work too hard, too much, or too long; weary or exhaust with work (often used reflexively).

   Don't overwork yourself on that new job.

2. to work up, stir up, or excite excessively.

   to overwork a mob to the verge of frenzy.

3. to employ or elaborate to excess.

   an appeal for sympathy that has been overworked by many speakers.

4. to work or decorate all over; decorate the surface of.

   white limestone overworked with inscriptions.

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verb (used without object)

1. to work too hard, too much, or too long; work to excess.

   You look as though you've been overworking.

noun

1. work beyond one's strength or capacity.

2. extra or excessive work.

overwork British  

verb

1. (also intr) to work or cause to work too hard or too long

2. to use too much

   to overwork an excuse

3. to decorate the surface of

4. to work up

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noun

1. excessive or excessively tiring work

Other Word Forms

• overworked adjective

Etymology

Origin of overwork

before 1000; Old English oferwyrcan. See over-, work

Example Sentences

When leaders insist that AI will double productivity, employees often overwork to fulfill that prophecy.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

She says she threw out her back and realized her overwork created physical strain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Being tired is linked to something deeper than just overwork or a sign of the times.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2025

Complaints of chronic employee overwork and understaffing aren’t limited to fulfillment centers, chain coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, but also are pervasive at hospitals, schools and air traffic control facilities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2025

He was suffering from an “anxiety reaction” due to “prolonged overwork on a top secret project.”

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield