Overcommitted: meaning, definitions and examples
😰
overcommitted
[ ˌoʊvərkəˈmɪtɪd ]
excessive dedication
Overcommitted refers to a state in which a person has taken on more responsibilities or obligations than they can manage. This often leads to stress or burnout as the individual struggles to fulfill all their commitments.
Synonyms
burdened, maxed out, overextended, overloaded.
Examples of usage
- She felt overcommitted with her job and volunteer work.
- Many students experience overcommitted schedules during exam season.
- He realized he was overcommitted when he missed multiple deadlines.
- Being overcommitted can impact your mental health.
Etymology
The term 'overcommitted' is derived from the prefix 'over-', which indicates an excess of something, combined with 'committed', which comes from the Latin 'committere', meaning 'to entrust, join, or engage'. The use of 'overcommitted' first appeared in the English language in the late 20th century, reflecting the growing societal expectations for individuals to take on multiple roles and responsibilities. As work-life balance became a significant topic of discussion, the word gained prominence in describing the challenges faced by individuals who try to juggle numerous commitments, accentuating the consequences of stress and the need for better time management.