overbuild
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌbɪld/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌbɪld/
intransitive verb
Definition
To build more structures, like homes or offices, than are needed in a particular area.
Example
The city decided to overbuild in the new development zone, resulting in many empty buildings.
Tense Forms
Past: overbuilt
Past Participle: overbuilt
Conversation
Have you noticed how they keep building new apartments around here?
Yeah, it's kind of crazy! I think they might overbuild the area soon.
Right? I wonder if there will even be enough people to fill them all.
Exactly! It seems like a risky move with so many places already available.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overdevelop
oversaturate
overextend
Antonyms
underbuild
diminish
reduce
transitive verb
Definition
To construct something in a way that is larger or more complex than needed, often resulting in waste or inefficiency.
Example
The city decided to overbuild the new shopping center, leading to many empty stores.
Tense Forms
Past: overbuilt
Past Participle: overbuilt
Conversation
Have you noticed how some developers tend to overbuild in our neighborhood?
Yeah, it's crazy! They just keep putting up more apartments everywhere.
I feel like they overbuild without considering the community's needs.
Root Explanation
Overbuild → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "build" (from Old English "byldan", meaning to construct or create). The word "overbuild" means to construct excessively or beyond what is necessary.
Memory Tip
Think of building something 'too much' — 'over-' means excessively, and 'build' means to construct.
Visually Confused Words
verbid