overbooking
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈbʊkɪŋ/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌbʊkɪŋ/
noun
Definition
A situation where more tickets or reservations are sold than there are available seats or spaces.
Example
The airline faced criticism for the overbooking of flights, leaving many passengers without seats.
Conversation
Did you hear about the overbooking problem on our flight?
Yeah, I read that they sold more tickets than there were seats available.
It's crazy how often that happens these days.
I know! It's so frustrating for travelers.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overselling
overcommitment
overreservation
Antonyms
underbooking
cancellation
vacancy
verb
Definition
To sell more tickets or reservations than there are available spaces, often done by airlines or hotels to ensure full occupancy.
Example
The airline is overbooking flights to maximize their profits, hoping that not all passengers will show up.
Tense Forms
Past: overbooked
Past Participle: overbooked
Conversation
Did you hear about the hotel overbooking incident last weekend?
Yeah, I read about it! That must have been chaotic.
I can't believe they overbooking so many rooms without checking first.
Root Explanation
Overbooking → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "booking" (from the verb "to book", which originates from the Old French *boquer*, meaning to reserve or arrange). The word "overbooking" refers to the practice of reserving more places than are available, leading to excess.
Memory Tip
Think of 'over-' meaning excessively and 'booking' as reserving something. This helps you remember that overbooking means reserving too many spots.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.