Overextended: meaning, definitions and examples

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overextended

 

[ oʊ.vər.ɪkˈstɛndɪd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

financial implications

Overextended refers to a situation where an individual or organization has taken on more debt or obligations than they can manage or repay. This often leads to financial difficulties and can result in bankruptcy if not addressed.

Synonyms

overburdened, overloaded, strained

Examples of usage

  • The company was overextended after acquiring too many smaller firms.
  • He realized he was overextended with loans that exceeded his income.
  • Her overextended budget left little for savings.
Context #2 | Verb

excessive commitment

To overextend is to make an excessive commitment or to stretch one's resources, abilities, or finances beyond their capacity. This can often lead to unmanageable situations or failures.

Synonyms

exaggerate, overexpose, overreach

Examples of usage

  • The athlete overextended himself, resulting in an injury.
  • Don’t overextend your personal boundaries when helping others.
  • Many investors overextend during a bullish market.

Translations

Translations of the word "overextended" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excedido

🇮🇳 अधिक विस्तार

🇩🇪 überdehnt

🇮🇩 terlalu panjang

🇺🇦 перевантажений

🇵🇱 przeciążony

🇯🇵 過剰延長された

🇫🇷 surmené

🇪🇸 sobrecargado

🇹🇷 aşırı uzatılmış

🇰🇷 과도하게 연장된

🇸🇦 مفرط التمدد

🇨🇿 přetížený

🇸🇰 preťažený

🇨🇳 过度延伸

🇸🇮 preobremenjen

🇮🇸 ofaukið

🇰🇿 артық созылған

🇬🇪 გადატვირთული

🇦🇿 artıq uzadılmış

🇲🇽 sobrecargado

Etymology

The term 'overextended' combines the prefix 'over-', indicating excessiveness, with 'extended', derived from the Latin 'extendere', meaning 'to stretch out' or 'to spread out'. The prefix 'over-' implies that something has gone beyond a normal or acceptable limit. This concept has been relevant in various contexts including finance and personal capabilities since the late 20th century, as economic conditions have fluctuated. It often describes scenarios in which individuals, businesses, or institutions have taken on too many commitments without considering the potential consequences of their actions. Overextension can lead to critical financial troubles or even collapse when the limits of sustainability are breached.