overwork
Overwork (verb) means to make someone work too hard, or to work too hard yourself. Example: “The company was accused of overworking its staff.”
How to use overwork
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing, or being made to do, far more work than is healthy or reasonable.
Word forms
overworked past tense, overwrought past tense, overworks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was accused of _____ its staff.
Etymology
From Old English oferwyrċan, "to overwork," formed from over- + work.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for overwork
See all rhymes for overwork →Frequently asked questions
What does “overwork” mean?
The word “overwork” means to make someone work too hard, or to work too hard yourself. In plain terms, doing, or being made to do, far more work than is healthy or reasonable.
How do you pronounce “overwork”?
“Overwork” is pronounced oh-vuh-WURK (/ˌoʊvɚˈwɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “overwork” in a sentence?
Here is “overwork” used in a sentence: “The company was accused of overworking its staff.”
What part of speech is “overwork”?
Depending on how it is used, “overwork” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “overwork” come from?
The word “overwork” comes from Old English. From Old English oferwyrċan, "to overwork," formed from over- + work.
How many meanings does “overwork” have?
“Overwork” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make someone work too hard, or to work too hard yourself.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include overwork: