Finesentence logo

Overburden: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

overburden

 

[ ˈoʊvərˌbɜːrdn ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

work

To load or burden with too much, with more than can be sustained or endured.

Synonyms

overload, overtask, overwhelm

Examples of usage

  • The teacher overburdened the students with homework assignments.
  • The employees felt overburdened with extra responsibilities.
Context #2 | Noun

mining

The material that lies above an area of economic or scientific interest and must be removed in order to gain access to the valuable resource below.

Synonyms

overburdened rock, overlying material, waste material

Examples of usage

  • The miners had to remove the overburden before reaching the coal deposits.
  • The excavation process involved clearing away the overburden to reach the ore.

Translations

Translations of the word "overburden" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrecarga

🇮🇳 अधिक भार डाल देना

🇩🇪 Überlast

🇮🇩 beban berlebih

🇺🇦 перевантаження

🇵🇱 przeciążenie

🇯🇵 過負荷 (かふか)

🇫🇷 surcharge

🇪🇸 sobrecarga

🇹🇷 aşırı yük

🇰🇷 과부하 (gwabuha)

🇸🇦 إجهاد زائد

🇨🇿 přetížení

🇸🇰 preťaženie

🇨🇳 超负荷 (chāo fùhè)

🇸🇮 preobremenitev

🇮🇸 ofhleðsla

🇰🇿 артық жүк

🇬🇪 გადატვირთვა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq yüklənmə

🇲🇽 sobrecarga

Etymology

The word 'overburden' originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'over-' with the word 'burden'. It has been used historically in various contexts related to excess weight or load, but in modern times, it is commonly associated with the mining industry and the removal of material above valuable resources.

See also: burdened, burdens, burdensome, unburden.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,874, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.