Overreserve: meaning, definitions and examples
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overreserve
[ ˌoʊvərɪˈzɜrv ]
hotel management
To overreserve means to take more reservations than available space, typically in hotel or restaurant contexts. This practice is often used to maximize revenue but can lead to customer dissatisfaction if too many guests show up.
Synonyms
overbook, overcommit, oversubscribe.
Examples of usage
- The hotel decided to overreserve during the peak season, hoping for a full house.
- Restaurants sometimes overreserve tables to account for no-shows.
- Due to overreservations, many customers were left without a room at check-in.
Etymology
The term 'overreserve' is a compound word formed from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'to excess' or 'to go beyond', and the verb 'reserve', which comes from the Latin 'reservare', meaning 'to keep back'. The concept of reservation has been in use since the 18th century, but the notion of overreserving has become more common with the growing hospitality industry, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as technology has made it easier to manage and track bookings. The practice is often controversial, as it can lead to customer complaints and reputational damage for establishments that prioritize short-term profit over customer satisfaction.