overspend

[ oh-ver-spend ]

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·spent, o·ver·spend·ing.

1. to spend more than one can afford:

   Receiving a small inheritance, she began to overspend alarmingly.

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·spent, o·ver·spend·ing.

1. to spend in excess of:

   He was overspending his yearly salary by several thousand dollars.

2. to spend beyond one's means (used reflexively):

   When the bills arrived, he realized he had foolishly overspent himself.

3. to wear out; exhaust.

overspend

verb

1. to spend in excess of (one's desires or what one can afford or is allocated)
2. tr; usually passive to wear out; exhaust

noun

1. the amount by which someone or something is overspent

Word History and Origins

Origin of overspend¹

First recorded in 1580–90; over- + spend

Example Sentences

That helped diversify Spotify’s offering, but the company eventually pulled back on some big deals after overspending.

From Los Angeles Times

Recent history is littered with examples of Ministry of Defence projects that overrun and overspend, some in eye-watering proportions.

From BBC

At the time, the OBR wrote that it had not been made aware of the extent of overspends and said it would investigate.

From BBC

She said the OBR would be publishing its review of how the overspend was “allowed to happen”, alongside the Budget.

From BBC

But her husband, she said, hounded her about “overspending” and wanted to know where every penny went.

From Salon