overdesign
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərdɪˈzaɪn/
KK: /ˈoʊvərdɪzaɪn/
noun
Definition
The act of creating a design that is more complex or detailed than necessary, often leading to unnecessary features or complications.
Example
The architect's overdesign of the building made it difficult to maintain and use effectively.
Conversation
Have you seen the new app design?
Yeah, it looks nice, but I think they might have overdesigned it a bit.
I agree! Sometimes simpler is better.
Exactly, it just needs to be user-friendly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
excess
overkill
redundancy
Antonyms
simplicity
minimalism
efficiency
verb
Definition
To create a design that is more complicated or detailed than necessary, often including extra features that are not needed.
Example
The architect decided to overdesign the building, adding many unnecessary features that increased the cost.
Tense Forms
Past: overdesigned
Past Participle: overdesigned
Conversation
I think the new app they launched is great, but did they really need to overdesign it?
Right? It has so many features, but some are just unnecessary.
Exactly! Sometimes simpler is better, you know?
Root Explanation
Overdesign → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "design" (from Latin "designare", meaning to mark out or plan). The word "overdesign" refers to the act of designing something with excessive detail or complexity beyond what is necessary.
Memory Tip
Think of doing something 'too much' ('over-') when you 'plan' or 'mark out' ('design') — that's why overdesign means to design something excessively.
Visually Confused Words
sovereign
foredesign