Overloaded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overloaded

[oʊvərˈloʊdɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

excessive burden

Overloaded refers to something that has been burdened with too much weight, responsibility, or information. It often describes a system, vehicle, or individual that is unable to function efficiently due to this excess. For example, a truck that carries more than its capacity is considered overloaded. In a figurative sense, a person may also feel overloaded with tasks or commitments, leading to stress. The term can also apply to electrical systems that exceed their safe operational capacity.

Synonyms

excessive, overburdened, overworked.

Examples of usage

  • The delivery truck was overloaded with packages.
  • She felt overloaded with work during the busy season.
  • The circuit was overloaded, causing a power outage.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Mental overload can lead to stress and decreased performance, as our brains struggle to process too many demands.
  • Cognitive overload occurs when information surpasses our capacity to analyze and respond, often leading to mistakes.
  • Research shows that breaking tasks into smaller pieces can combat overload and improve focus and productivity.

Technology

  • In computing, an overloaded circuit or network happens when it receives more data or power than it can handle, causing slowdowns or failures.
  • Software can have overloaded functions, where the same function can handle different types of input, providing flexibility in programming.
  • Cloud services face overload issues when too many users simultaneously access resources, prompting businesses to invest in improving bandwidth and reliability.

Education

  • Overloaded students often face anxiety, as they balance excessive homework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities.
  • Teaching strategies can be impacted by overload; educators are encouraged to simplify lessons to help students absorb material effectively.
  • Research indicates that lighter educational loads and more time for breaks enhance learning and retention.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In modern society, the concept of being overloaded is often linked to the hustle culture, where individuals feel the pressure to always be productive.
  • Popular media often portrays characters facing overload, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-care in balancing life's demands.
  • Cultural differences can influence perceptions of overload; in some cultures, work-life balance is prioritized more than in others.

Origin of 'overloaded'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'overloaded' combines the prefix 'over-' meaning too much, and 'load,' which refers to the weight or amount something carries.
  • It was first used in the 17th century to describe physical burdens, evolving over time to pertain to emotional and digital contexts.
  • In the 20th century, with the rise of technology, 'overloaded' began to describe systems and networks that couldn't process all their tasks.

The term 'overloaded' is derived from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessive' or 'too much' and the verb 'load,' which dates back to Old English 'hladan,' meaning 'to load, to put on.' The combination of these elements highlights the idea of exceeding normal loading capacities. While 'load' has been used since the early medieval period to refer to cargo or burden, 'over-' was attached to emphasize the excess or imposition of too much weight or responsibility. The first known usage of the term in its current form dates to the late 19th century, reflecting growing industrialization where machinery and vehicles began to face issues of capacity and efficiency. With time, the connotation evolved to include not only physical but also emotional and cognitive overload in modern contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,133, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.