overall

1 of 3

adverb

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 

1

: all over sense 1

the pattern used overall

2

: from one end to the other

600 feet long overall

3

a

: in view of all the circumstances or conditions

overall, the sale was a success

b

: as a whole : generally

doesn't do as well overall

overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power

—Time

c

: with everyone or everything taken into account

was third overall in earnings

got 31 miles to the gallon overall

overall

2 of 3

noun

over·​all ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

a

overalls ˈō-vər-ˌȯlz  plural, archaic : loose protective trousers worn over regular clothes

b

usually overalls : trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps

2

chiefly British : a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing

Illustration of overall

• overall 1b

overall

3 of 3

adjective

over·​all ˌō-vər-ˈȯl  ˈō-vər-ˌȯl 

1

: including everything

2

: viewed as a whole : general

Synonyms

Adverb

• all around
• all told
• altogether
• collectedly
• collectively
• inclusively
• together

Adjective

• across-the-board
• blanket
• broad-brush
• common
• general
• generic
• global
• universal

Examples of overall in a Sentence

Adverb

He made a few mistakes but did well overall.

Overall, the project was successful.

Adjective

your overall score after two rounds

His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.

Your overall health is sound.

She likes the overall quality of the product.

The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

In sum, this market continues to see volatility while still favoring a seller's market overall. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The Bears had expected to be competitive this season behind Williams, who was selected first overall in the 2024 draft. —Phil Rogers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

After college, Utley was more heralded and was taken 15th overall in the 2000 draft by the Phillies, while Kinsler fell to the 17th round of the 2003 draft before being selected by the Rangers. —Dan Freedman, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

In his three-year career, the Mets' 2017 second-round draft pick (59th overall) has played all of 89 innings over 14 games at first base. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Della Maddalena showed a gap in his overall skills in this fight, struggling with his defensive grappling, but at just 27, the Australian has time to shore up that weakness in the future. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Your provider will ask about your habits and overall health to determine potential causes. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overall

• the overall scheme of things

Kids Definition

overall

1 of 2 adverb

over·​all ˌō-və-ˈrȯl 

: as a whole : generally

we find your work satisfactory, overall

overall

2 of 2 adjective

ˌō-və-ˈrȯl,

ˈō-və-ˌrȯl

1

: including everything

overall expenses

2

: viewed as a whole : general