overbooked
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌbʊkt/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌbʊkt/
adjective
Definition
Having sold more tickets or reservations than there are available seats or spaces.
Example
The flight was overbooked, so some passengers had to wait for the next one.
Conversation
I just found out that the concert tickets are overbooked.
Oh no, that’s frustrating! What are they going to do about it?
They said they might offer refunds or some kind of alternative.
I hope they figure it out soon; I was really looking forward to it!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
oversold
crowded
packed
Antonyms
available
vacant
unoccupied
verb
Definition
To have sold more tickets or reservations than there are available seats or spaces, often leading to a situation where not everyone can be accommodated.
Example
The flight was overbooked, so some passengers had to wait for the next one.
Tense Forms
Past: overbooked
Past Participle: overbooked
Conversation
Did you hear that the restaurant got overbooked again this weekend?
Yeah, I saw that on their social media. It's crazy!
I was really looking forward to going there for dinner.
Root Explanation
Overbooked → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "book" (from Old English *boc*, meaning to record or register). The word "overbooked" means having more reservations than available space, indicating an excessive booking.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over' meaning excessively, and 'book' as in to register or reserve. This helps you remember that 'overbooked' refers to having too many reservations.
Visually Confused Words
unoverlooked