Overextending: meaning, definitions and examples
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overextending
[ ˌoʊvərɪkˈstɛndɪŋ ]
financial management
Overextending refers to the act of taking on too much debt or making commitments that exceed one's financial capacity. This often leads to financial strain or difficulties in meeting obligations. In a broader sense, it can apply to situations where individuals or organizations stretch their resources or capabilities too thin. It is typically advised to maintain a balance to prevent adverse consequences.
Synonyms
overcommitting, overreaching, overstretching
Examples of usage
- The company faced bankruptcy due to overextending their resources.
- Many individuals became overwhelmed after overextending themselves with too many loans.
- Overextending in investments can lead to significant losses.
personal capacity
Overextending oneself can also refer to taking on too many responsibilities, beyond what one can reasonably manage. This often results in stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. It is crucial to recognize personal limits to maintain well-being and effectiveness.
Synonyms
overburdening, overloading, overworking
Examples of usage
- She realized she was overextending herself with too many volunteer projects.
- Overextending in work can lead to a decline in quality.
- He learned the hard way that overextending his commitments affected his health.
Translations
Translations of the word "overextending" in other languages:
🇵🇹 extrapolar
🇮🇳 अत्यधिक विस्तारित करना
🇩🇪 überdehnen
🇮🇩 melampaui batas
🇺🇦 перевитрачати
🇵🇱 przeciągać
🇯🇵 過度に拡張する
🇫🇷 surétendre
🇪🇸 sobrerreaccionar
🇹🇷 aşırı genişletmek
🇰🇷 과도하게 확대하다
🇸🇦 تمديد بشكل مفرط
🇨🇿 přesahovat
🇸🇰 prekročiť
🇨🇳 过度扩展
🇸🇮 prekomerno razširiti
🇮🇸 of mikið að teygja
🇰🇿 артық созу
🇬🇪 გადასაწვდელი
🇦🇿 həddən artıq genişləndirmək
🇲🇽 sobrerreaccionar
Etymology
The term 'overextend' originates from the combination of 'over,' a prefix denoting excess, and 'extend,' which comes from the Latin 'extendere,' meaning to stretch out or spread. The use of 'over' emphasizes the idea of exceeding normal limits. The word has been in usage since at least the early 20th century, particularly in economic contexts, where it began to describe businesses or individuals that took on too much debt or made promises they could not keep. Over time, it has evolved to also refer to personal capacities, as individuals began to apply the concept to their workloads and responsibilities. The growth of consumer culture and credit systems in the late 20th century significantly popularized the term as people increasingly found themselves in financial difficulties due to overextending their credit and resources.