Overcommitment: meaning, definitions and examples
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overcommitment
[ ˌoʊvərkəˈmɪtment ]
work, life
Overcommitment refers to the act of taking on more responsibilities, tasks, or commitments than one can reasonably manage. It often leads to stress and burnout, as individuals find themselves overwhelmed by their obligations. In professional and personal contexts, it reflects a tendency to overestimate one's capacity to engage or deliver.
Synonyms
burden, excess, overextension, overload
Examples of usage
- Her overcommitment to work led to her feeling drained every evening.
- He realized his overcommitment was impacting his health and relationships.
- Overcommitment can cause a decline in productivity and mental health.
Word origin
The term 'overcommitment' combines the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessively' with the base word 'commitment', which originates from the Latin 'committere', meaning 'to bring together, to connect'. The prefix 'over-' has been used in English since the early 14th century, while 'commitment' began to be used in its modern sense in the 20th century. Historically, 'commitment' was associated with promises or obligations that people made, especially in ways that pertained to their duties or responsibilities. As society has evolved and the demands of work and life have increased, the concept of overcommitment has become more prevalent, often discussed in the context of work-life balance and the mental health implications of taking on too many commitments.