Overdone: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something, especially food, is cooked longer than the ideal time making it less enjoyable, but not necessarily burnt.

• The roast was tasty but a bit overdone.
• The steak is a little overdone for my liking.

General term used when food is cooked too long, affecting its texture and flavor, typically implying a less desirable outcome but not necessarily burnt.

• The pasta turned out overcooked and mushy.
• The chicken is overcooked and dry.

Refers to food or other items that have been cooked for too long, resulting in a blackened surface and a bitter taste. This often has a negative connotation.

• The toast is burnt; you shouldn't eat it.
• I forgot the cookies in the oven, and now they're burnt.

Describes food or objects that have been burned to the point that they are blackened on the surface, often indicating severe overcooking but can be desirable in certain dishes, like charred vegetables.

• The outside of the steak was charred, giving it a smoky flavor.
• The fire left the edges of the paper charred and brittle.

Typically used to describe something that has been done too much or excessively, especially in cooking or in describing performances or elements that are overly dramatic or exaggerated.

• The steak was overdone, and it was hard to chew.
• The makeup for the play was so overdone; it became distracting.

Often employed when someone describes something as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is. This word can be used in both casual and formal settings.

• He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments to impress others.
• You shouldn't exaggerate the risks involved; they are quite manageable.

Appropriate for describing a situation where something is presented as more important, significant, or serious than it actually is. Commonly used in formal writing and speech.

• To say that he is the best player ever is to overstate his abilities.
• The company's financial risks are sometimes overstated by the media.

Used when someone gives too much importance or attention to one aspect of something, often at the expense of other, equally important aspects. Typically found in discussions, critiques, and analyses.

• The media tends to overemphasize negative news.