Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Overload Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💥
Add to dictionary

overload

[ˈoʊvərˌloʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in computing

Overload refers to a situation when a computer system or network receives more traffic or data than it can handle effectively. This can lead to slow performance, crashes, or even system failure.

Synonyms

excess, overburden, overwhelm.

Examples of usage

  • The website crashed due to overload of visitors during the sale.
  • The server experienced an overload of requests, causing delays in processing.
Context #2 | Verb

in the workplace

To overload means to assign someone more work or responsibilities than they can manage efficiently. This can result in stress, burnout, and decreased productivity.

Synonyms

burden, overwhelm, overwork.

Examples of usage

  • The manager tends to overload his team with tasks, leading to employee dissatisfaction.
  • If you overload yourself with projects, you may end up sacrificing quality for quantity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Mental overload occurs when there are too many tasks or information to process, leading to stress and decreased performance.
  • Research shows that when people face cognitive overload, decision-making ability drops significantly.
  • Being overloaded can cause feelings of helplessness and frustration, impacting overall well-being.

Technology

  • In computer science, overload refers to a situation when a system is given too much data or too many requests, causing delays or crashes.
  • Network overload can lead to data loss or slow connections, impacting user experience during online activities.
  • Software can implement overload handling mechanisms to manage tasks more efficiently without crashing.

Education

  • Students may experience academic overload when they juggle too many assignments, projects, and extracurricular activities.
  • To counteract learning overload, educators often promote strategies like time management and prioritization.
  • Research suggests that balanced workloads are crucial for optimal learning and retention of information.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and series, characters often face mental or emotional overload, which serves as a dramatic turning point in their stories.
  • The term has been used in music lyrics to evoke feelings of being overwhelmed by love, life, or responsibilities.
  • Video games frequently include mechanics that simulate overload, making players strategize on resource management.

Origin of 'overload'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the combination of 'over,' meaning too much, and 'load,' referring to weight or burden.
  • It first appeared in English literature in the late 19th century, often used in the context of transportation and machinery.
  • The concept was popularized with the advent of industrial machinery, where equipment could fail if overloaded.

The term 'overload' originated in the mid-18th century, combining 'over' and 'load'. It was initially used in a literal sense to describe putting too much weight or pressure on something. In the context of computing, the concept of overload emerged with the growth of technology and the increasing demand for processing power. Today, overload is a common phenomenon in various fields, highlighting the importance of balance and efficiency.

See also: download, downloader, load, loaded, offload, unload, upload.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,169, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.