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Definition of overwork

overwork

/ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrk/
o · ver · work
Adjective:overworked
•
Past Simple:overworked
•
Past Participle:overworked
•
Present Participle:overworking
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overwork Lexical Profile

overwork Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To work or cause someone to work too hard or too long.

Example

"The factory manager was criticized for overworking the staff during the busy holiday season."

2

To use, develop, or elaborate on something (such as a literary theme, phrase, or dough) to excess so that it loses its effectiveness or quality.

Example

"If you overwork the pastry dough, the gluten will develop too much and make the crust tough."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

Excessive work or labor that causes physical or mental exhaustion.

Example

"The doctor advised him to take a two-week vacation after he collapsed from stress and overwork."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overwork
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overwork

• Rhymes for overwork

• Nearby Words

overwhelming
overwhelmingly
overwinter
overwork
overworked
overwrite
overwrought

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English oferwyrcan, formed from the prefix ofer- (over) and wyrcan (to work).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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