overpromise

verb

over·​prom·​ise ˌō-vər-ˈprä-məs 

overpromised; overpromising

transitive + intransitive

: to promise more than is possible or realistic

Political candidates always overpromise or else the electorate won't bother to show up at their rallies.

—Michael Gomez

… received sharp criticism for overpromising and underperforming.

—Industry Week

Then a change in the Facebook algorithm punished click bait, which can tend to overpromise on what it links to. Steep traffic drops followed.

—Jim Rutenberg

To close a deal, bad vendors tend to overpromise features that they claim will be added down the line but never materialize.

—Michael Kan

Examples of overpromise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And avoid overpromising returns or offering unrealistic expectations—transparency and education are key to building trust. —Nick Green, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

However, Sagittarius isn’t the messenger planet’s ideal place to be, as this Fire sign’s love for big-picture thinking can often overwhelm Mercury’s fact-checking nature, leading to overpromising or losing sight of the details. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

The interlaced sub-narratives of the show’s supporting characters — and their all-too-human stumbles — further illuminate the show’s sharp but nuanced take on the wellness industry, with all of its propensity to both overpromise and provide genuine care. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

Scientists may be tempted to overpromise, setting the stage for eventual disappointment and backlash. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overpromise

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize