overuse

[ verb oh-ver-yooz; noun oh-ver-yoos ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·used, o·ver·us·ing.

1. to use too much or too often:

   to overuse an expression.

noun

1. excessive use:

   to strain one's voice through overuse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overuse¹

First recorded in 1670–80; over- + use

Example Sentences

In 1968, Hardin wrote his essay “The Tragedy of the Commons,” which warned that population growth will outpace the gains of conservation as people overuse the planet’s resources.

From Salon

Climate change is primarily caused by human activity, particularly that involved with our overuse of fossil fuels.

From Salon

Instead of blaming families for overusing pouches, she said, new regulations, healthier ingredients that target key nutrients, and more transparent advertising are needed.

From Los Angeles Times

Project 2025 says the monument law has been overused and that public lands need to remain open to a wide range of uses — including oil drilling, coal mining and recreation.

From Los Angeles Times

The for-profit immigrant detention ban was enacted amid reports of unsafe conditions and health violations at detention facilities, including moldy food, overuse of solitary confinement and dangerous delays in medical care.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion