overwork

verb

over·​work ˌō-vər-ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
overworked; overworking; overworks
Synonyms of overworknext

transitive verb

1
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion
overworked the horses
2
a
: to work too much on
overwork bread dough
b
: to make excessive use of
overworked tunes

intransitive verb

: to work too much or too long : overdo
overwork noun

Examples of overwork in a Sentence

The whole crew seemed exhausted, probably from overworking. The captain routinely overworked the crew. He overworks the melody in the song. If you overwork the dough, the bread will be tough.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stir often but gently to prevent scorching without overworking the potatoes, which can turn them gluey. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 In court, Blair’s attorney said she was overworked and hit her head on a bulkhead while on the plane. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 The move comes after years of criticism from animal rights advocates who charge that the horses are overworked, get easily scared and live in inadequate stables with drivers flouting city regulations. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 With a lazy summer in our rear view and hectic school and job schedules around the bend, ‘tis the season for overworking ourselves. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwork

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwork was in 1530

Rhymes for overwork

See All Rhymes for overwork

Browse Nearby Words

overwordy
overwork
overworld
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwork. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overwork

verb
over·​work -ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
1
: to work or cause to work too hard or long
overworked the crew
2
: to use too much
overworked phrases
overwork noun

Medical Definition

overwork

transitive verb
over·​work ˌō-vər-ˈwərk How to pronounce overwork (audio)
: to cause to work too hard, too long, or to exhaustion

intransitive verb

: to work too much or too long
overwork noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overwork

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overwork

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