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adj

overworked

Overworked (adj) means Made to work too hard, often to the point of exhaustion. Example: “The overworked nurses were relieved when extra staff arrived.”

adj
1
Made to work too hard, often to the point of exhaustion.
"The overworked nurses were relieved when extra staff arrived."
2
Used so often that it has become stale or lost its impact.
"The phrase "at the end of the day" has become an overworked cliché."

How to use overworked

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither exhausted from too much work, or worn out from overuse (of a phrase or idea).

Common pairings
overworked and underpaid overworked cliché overworked metaphor

Word forms

more overworked comparative, most overworked superlative

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The _____ nurses were relieved when extra staff arrived.

Etymology

From overwork + -ed.

Rhymes for overworked

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Frequently asked questions

What does “overworked” mean?

The word “overworked” means made to work too hard, often to the point of exhaustion. In plain terms, either exhausted from too much work, or worn out from overuse (of a phrase or idea).

How do you use “overworked” in a sentence?

Here is “overworked” used in a sentence: “The overworked nurses were relieved when extra staff arrived.”

What part of speech is “overworked”?

“Overworked” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “overworked” have?

“Overworked” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made to work too hard, often to the point of exhaustion.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary