overwork

verb

over·​work ˌō-vər-ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
overworked; overworking; overworks
Synonyms of overworknext

transitive verb

1
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion
overworked the horses
2
a
: to work too much on
overwork bread dough
b
: to make excessive use of
overworked tunes

intransitive verb

: to work too much or too long : overdo
overwork noun

Examples of overwork in a Sentence

The whole crew seemed exhausted, probably from overworking. The captain routinely overworked the crew. He overworks the melody in the song. If you overwork the dough, the bread will be tough.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The key is to not overwork the dough, which will make the final scone tough. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025 The person who's overwhelmed, overworked, or under extreme stress. — Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Taking regular breaks throughout the day to avoid overworking the brain. — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025 Along with groups focused specifically on addiction and the 12 step program, the nonprofit hosts a general recovery group that welcomes those struggling with anything from depression to anger to being overworked. — Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overwork

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwork was in 1530

Rhymes for overwork

See All Rhymes for overwork

Browse Nearby Words

overwork
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Cite this Entry

“Overwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwork. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

overwork

verb
over·​work -ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
1
: to work or cause to work too hard or long
overworked the crew
2
: to use too much
overworked phrases
overwork noun

Medical Definition

overwork

transitive verb
over·​work ˌō-vər-ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion

intransitive verb

: to work too much or too long
overwork noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overwork

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overwork

Nglish: Translation of overwork for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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