overemphasis

noun

over·​em·​pha·​sis ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
plural overemphases ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
: an excessive amount or degree of emphasis
F. Scott Fitzgeralds's novels and Eugene O'Neill's plays exposed America's overemphasis on money and success.Mary Beth Norton et al.
… an overemphasis on design at the expense of function.Walt Mossberg

Examples of overemphasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The official pointed to failures in addressing border security threats, challenges in staff recruitment and retention, mismanagement in acquisitions, and an overemphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as reasons for her termination. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 By favoring the most visibly successful employees, companies risk a lack of diversity and overemphasis on technical skills in their leadership pipeline – which can ultimately erode leadership quality and exacerbate turnover of hidden stars. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 For many organizations, an overemphasis on purpose can lead to misaligned priorities and resource inefficiencies. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 While California Latinos have essentially been clamoring for the equivalent of a Marshall Plan to build the economy for the state’s largest ethnic group, the political overemphasis on those here illegally continues unabated. Mike Madrid, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overemphasis 

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overemphasis was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near overemphasis

Cite this Entry

“Overemphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overemphasis. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!