Overburden: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when someone or something is given too much to handle, especially in work or responsibilities.

• The manager tends to overburden his employees with too many tasks.
• She was overburdened with household chores.

This word is often used to describe a situation where a system, machine, or person has more input or stress than it can handle.

• The server crashed because it was overloaded with too many requests.
• Don't overload the washing machine; it can only handle so much.

This word is used to describe an emotional or physical state where someone feels completely overcome by circumstances or tasks. It often has a strong emotional connotation.

• He was overwhelmed by the amount of support he received.
• The new job overwhelmed her with its demands.

Use this word when someone is given more tasks than they can reasonably complete. It implies an excessive amount of work.

• The team felt overtasked due to the tight deadline.
• She overtasked herself with multiple projects and couldn't finish any on time.

Refers to the material covering a mineral deposit or another resource that must be removed before extraction. Commonly used in mining and excavation contexts.

• The company needs to remove the overburden before starting to extract the coal.
• The overburden consists of soil, sand, and gravel that lies above the mineral layer.