overuse

1 of 2

verb

over·​use ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 

overused; overusing

transitive verb

: to use (something) too much : to use (something) excessively or too frequently

a word that has been greatly overused

At best, gatekeepers can keep everyone from overusing costly high-tech treatments when primary care is enough.

—Marilyn Chase

overuse

2 of 2

noun

over·​use ˌō-vər-ˈyüs 

: too much use : excessive or too frequent use

the overuse of antibiotics

athletes suffering from overuse injuries

His overuse of four-letter words—often a dozen per page—may accurately mirror a macho world where cussing is cool, but it is tedious to read.

—Frederick Kaufman

Synonyms

Verb

• hackney
• overexpose
• stereotype
• vulgarize

Examples of overuse in a Sentence

Verb

she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

About two years before the 1967 War, Israel and Syria exchanged fire over the Jordan River Basin, which both said the other was overusing. —Shlomi Dinar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2012

This strict dosage limit is to ensure that users do not overuse the medication, which can potentially lead to a worsening condition. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Noun

However, experts caution against overuse of vinegar in the washer because prolonged or repeated exposure can cause rubber parts like gaskets and hoses to disintegrate. 8. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2024

The most common types of knee injuries occur because of overuse, sudden twisting, or direct impact on the knee and joints surrounding it. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overuse

1 of 2 verb

over·​use

-ˈyüz

: to use too much

an overused phrase

overuse

2 of 2 noun

over·​use

-ˈyüs

: too much use