overstretch

[ verb oh-ver-strech; noun oh-ver-strech, oh-ver-strech ]

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch excessively.
2. to stretch or extend over.

noun

1. an act or instance of overstretching.

overstretch

/ ˌəʊvəˈstrɛtʃ /

verb

1. to make excessive demands or put excessive pressure on (oneself, finances, etc)
2. to stretch (muscles or limbs) too much or too hard

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstretch¹

1300–50; Middle English overstrecchen; over-, stretch

Example Sentences

She said when the system becomes so overstretched it feels like “we are failing our patients” and not providing the care “that we would want for our own families”.

From BBC

South Sudan, already in the throes of a worsening humanitarian situation, is seeing its ability to respond become further overstretched, Ocha warned.

From BBC

This money-making caper dominates the second act of a show that is a bit overstretched.

From Los Angeles Times

But NHS experts have warned treatment services are already overstretched trying to deal with unprecedented demand from patients wanting these drugs.

From BBC

It says some patients can wait up to five years for specialist support, and that some services are so overstretched they have closed their waiting lists entirely.

From BBC