overextend

[ oh-ver-ik-stend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to extend, reach, or expand beyond a proper, safe, or reasonable point:

   a company that overextended its credit to diversify.

2. to extend for too long a time:

   to overextend a stay.

3. to obligate (oneself ) to more activities, work, etc., than one has time for or can accomplish well.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ex·ten·sion [oh-ver-ik-, sten, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overextend¹

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + extend

Example Sentences

You should also dig into the numbers regardless of the budget percentage to make sure you're not overextending yourself with debt, he added.

From Salon

About 15 hours into “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” I came across a character expressing concern for Princess Zelda: “Is she overextending herself for the sake of the kingdom?”

From Los Angeles Times

“The organization was overextended, enamored of growth everywhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lee understands that for all the emphasis on "the cure," breast cancer is first and foremost about the overextended real woman facing it.

From Salon

That is where the Pairings Menu was supposed to come in; it was a way to bring financially overextended customers back in for the basics.

From Salon

Related Words

• drain
• fatigue
• frazzle
• impoverish
• overwork
• sap
• tire out
• use up
• weaken
• wear out
• weary