overstock
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərstɒk/
KK: /ˈoʊvərstɑk/
noun
Definition
A situation where there is more of a product available than is needed or can be sold.
Example
The store had to discount prices to clear the overstock of winter clothing.
Conversation
Have you heard about the store's overstock sale this weekend?
Yeah, I saw the flyer! They have so much stuff on discount.
I think they must have too much inventory right now.
Definitely! It's a great time to grab some bargains.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
surplus
excess
glut
Antonyms
shortage
deficit
lack
transitive verb
Definition
To supply or store more of something than is needed or wanted.
Example
The store decided to overstock its shelves with holiday decorations this year.
Tense Forms
Past: overstocked
Past Participle: overstocked
Conversation
Have you noticed that our store tends to overstock items sometimes?
Yeah, I saw a bunch of things that weren't selling at all.
It really creates a mess in the aisles when they overstock like that.
Root Explanation
Overstock → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "stock" (from Old English *stoc*, meaning a supply or store). The word "overstock" means to have an excessive supply or too much stock of something.
Memory Tip
Think of having 'too much' ('over-') of a 'supply' ('stock') — that's why overstock means having an excessive amount.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.