overextended
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərɪkˈstɛndɪd/
KK: /oʊvərɪkˈstɛndɪd/
adjective
Definition
Stretched or expanded too far, often leading to problems or difficulties.
Example
The company became overextended by taking on too many projects at once.
Conversation
I think I might be overextended with my commitments this month.
Really? What do you have going on?
I've got work, classes, and volunteer activities all at once.
Sounds like you need to take a break before you get too stressed!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strained
exhausted
overworked
Antonyms
limited
contained
focused
verb
Definition
To have stretched or expanded something too far, often leading to problems or difficulties.
Example
She overextended herself by taking on too many projects at once.
Tense Forms
Past: overextended
Past Participle: overextended
Conversation
I think I really overextended myself this week with all the projects.
Yeah, it seems like you’ve been super busy lately.
I didn't realize how much I had taken on until it was too late.
Root Explanation
Overextended → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "extend" (from Latin "extendere", meaning to stretch out). The word "overextended" means to stretch beyond a limit or capacity, often leading to strain or difficulty.
Memory Tip
Think of stretching something 'beyond' its limit — 'over-' means excessively, and 'extend' means to stretch. This helps you remember that overextended refers to being stretched too far.
Visually Confused Words
extended