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Definition of overuse

overuse

/ˌoʊvɚˈjuːz/
o · ver · use
Adjective:overused
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Past Simple:overused
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Past Participle:overused
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Present Participle:overusing
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overuse Lexical Profile

overuse Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or practice of using something excessively or to an undesirable degree.

Example

"The widespread overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To use something too much or too often, to the point of reducing its effectiveness or causing harm.

Example

"Writers who overuse exclamation points risk weakening the impact of their prose."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overuse
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overuse

Word Nuance & Usage

Like 'use', this word is a heteronym: the verb is pronounced with a voiced 'z' sound (/ˌoʊvərˈjuːz/), whereas the noun is pronounced with an unvoiced 's' sound (/ˈoʊvərjuːs/).

• Rhymes for overuse

• Nearby Words

overtrusting
overture
overturn
overuse
overutilize
overvaluation
overvalue

Cite this Entry

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