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overeducation

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪʃən/

KK: /oʊvərˈɛdʒʊˌkeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The condition of having more education than is necessary for a job or situation, which can lead to underemployment or dissatisfaction.


Example

Many graduates face overeducation when they cannot find jobs that match their high qualifications.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term overeducation?
Sloth B
Yeah, it means having more education than is necessary for your job, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It can be frustrating to see people struggle because of overeducation.
Sloth B
For sure, some people have degrees but can't find jobs that match their skills.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overqualification
excess
surplus
Antonyms
undereducation
ignorance
inexperience
Root Explanation

Overeducation → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "education" (from Latin "educatio", meaning the act of bringing up or rearing). The word refers to the state of having received excessive education, often beyond what is necessary or practical.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'education' referring to the act of learning. This helps you remember that overeducation means having too much education.

Visually Confused Words
coeducation
reduction
education
supereducation
proreduction
proeducation
prereduction
noneducation
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