Oversell: meaning, definitions and examples

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oversell

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈsɛl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sales

To present or describe (something) in a way that makes it seem better or more important than it really is, especially in order to sell it.

Synonyms

exaggerate, inflate, overstate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oversell

Used when someone promotes something excessively, often leading to higher expectations than reality.

  • The salesman tried to oversell the car, claiming it had features that it actually didn't.
exaggerate

Commonly used when someone describes something as larger, more important, or more serious than it really is.

  • He tends to exaggerate his achievements whenever he talks about his job.
overstate

Used when someone describes something as better, larger, or more important than it actually is, emphasizing the factual discrepancy.

  • She didn't overstate the importance of the project, but emphasized it was just a step forward.
inflate

Often used in financial or statistical contexts to describe artificial increases or to make something seem more valuable or large.

  • The company was caught trying to inflate their earnings to impress investors.

Examples of usage

  • Be careful not to oversell the benefits of the product, as it may lead to disappointed customers.
  • The salesperson tried to oversell the features of the car, but the customer saw through the exaggerations.

Translations

Translations of the word "oversell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vender demais

🇮🇳 अधिक बेचना

🇩🇪 überverkaufen

🇮🇩 menjual berlebihan

🇺🇦 перепродати

🇵🇱 przesadzać z sprzedażą

🇯🇵 過剰に売る

🇫🇷 survendre

🇪🇸 vender en exceso

🇹🇷 aşırı satmak

🇰🇷 과매

🇸🇦 بيع أكثر من اللازم

🇨🇿 přesahovat prodej

🇸🇰 nadmerne predávať

🇨🇳 过度销售 (guòdù xiāoshòu)

🇸🇮 preveč prodati

🇮🇸 selja of mikið

🇰🇿 артық сату

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებული გაყიდვა

🇦🇿 çox satmaq

🇲🇽 vender en exceso

Etymology

The word 'oversell' originated in the mid 19th century, combining 'over-' and 'sell'. It initially referred to the act of selling more than one possesses or can supply. Over time, the meaning evolved to include exaggerating or embellishing the qualities of a product or service.

See also: bestseller, sell, sellable, seller, sellers, selling, undersell, underselling.