Definition

Used to describe a resource that has been exhausted or diminished due to too much mining activity.

Example

The overmined area showed signs of environmental damage and loss of biodiversity.

Conversation

Have you heard about the area that was overmined last year?

Yeah, it’s sad to see how it affected the environment.

I read that the wildlife has really suffered because of that.

Absolutely, we need to find sustainable ways to mine resources.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overmined → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "mine" (from Old English "mīnan", meaning to extract minerals or resources). The word "overmined" refers to the excessive extraction of minerals or resources from a particular area.

Memory Tip

Think of extracting resources 'excessively' ('over-') from the ground ('mine') — that's why overmined means too much has been taken from the earth.

Visually Confused Words