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Definition of overabstraction

overabstraction

/ˌoʊ.vɚ.æbˈstræk.ʃən/
o · ver · ab · strac · tion
Plural:overabstractions
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overabstraction Lexical Profile

overabstraction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A design flaw in software engineering or systems architecture where excessive layers of theoretical models or interfaces make a system unnecessarily complex and difficult to maintain.

Example

"The new framework was criticized for overabstraction, as developers had to navigate through six separate interfaces just to execute a basic command."

2

The act or process of making something so theoretical or detached from specific details that it loses its practical meaning, utility, or connection to reality.

Example

"The philosopher's essay suffered from overabstraction, making it incredibly difficult for readers to connect her ethical theories to everyday life."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for overabstraction

• Nearby Words

ovenware
over
over easy
overabstraction
overabundance
overabundant
overabundantly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed by combining the prefix 'over-' (excessive) with the noun 'abstraction', which derives from Latin 'abstractus' (drawn away).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overabstraction. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overabstraction
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