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Overwork Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overwork

[หŒoสŠvษ™rหˆwษœหrk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

work

To work excessively hard or to work beyond one's physical or mental limits.

Synonyms

exhaust, overburden, strain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overwork

This is suitable when someone is working too much, often referring to consistently long hours or excessive workload.

  • She was overworked after taking on three projects at once
  • The staff is overworked and needs more help
overburden

Use this term when talking about someone or something being given too much to handle, whether in terms of work, responsibilities, or other demands.

  • The new policy overburdens the employees with paperwork
  • He felt overburdened by his family obligations
strain

This is relevant when there is pressure or tension, whether physical, mental, or emotional. It often implies ongoing stress that can lead to problems or damage.

  • Carrying heavy boxes put a strain on his back
  • The constant arguments put a strain on their relationship
exhaust

This describes a state of extreme tiredness or depletion, often after physical or mental effort. It can have a negative connotation when referring to completely draining someone's energy.

  • He was exhausted after the marathon
  • Studying for the final exam all night left her exhausted

Examples of usage

  • She overworks herself to meet deadlines.
  • He overworked his employees by expecting them to work overtime every day.
Context #2 | Noun

work

Excessive or too much work, often leading to physical or mental exhaustion.

Synonyms

exhaustion, fatigue, overload.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overwork

This term is used when someone is working too much, often to the point of affecting their health or well-being. It implies that the individual is putting in excessive effort or hours.

  • He's been overworked for weeks, putting in 12-hour days.
  • Overworking can lead to serious health problems.
exhaustion

This word is best used when someone is extremely tired or drained of energy, both physically and mentally. It suggests a state of complete weariness.

  • After running the marathon, she collapsed in exhaustion.
  • Working non-stop led him to a state of exhaustion.
overload

Best used when there is too much of something, whether it is work, information, or tasks. It implies being overwhelmed by the quantity or intensity.

  • The students felt an overload of assignments at the end of the semester.
  • Information overload is a common issue in the digital age.
fatigue

This term is typically used to describe a state of tiredness or lack of energy, often due to overexertion or extended periods of stress.

  • She felt a constant sense of fatigue after weeks of long hours.
  • Fatigue from traveling caused him to fall asleep quickly.

Examples of usage

  • The overwork in that company is causing burnout among employees.
  • She was hospitalized due to overwork and stress.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of 'overwork' gained attention in the 19th century when labor movements began advocating for shorter work hours.
  • In industrialized societies, long work hours were common, leading to early labor reforms in the late 1800s.

Health

  • Studies show that overworking can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
  • The World Health Organization recognizes long working hours as a risk factor for stroke and heart attack.

Psychology

  • Overworking can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
  • People who overwork often exhibit signs like irritability, decreased motivation, and fatigue.

Work Culture

  • In some cultures, especially in East Asia, overwork is often seen as a sign of dedication and loyalty to oneโ€™s job.
  • The 'hustle culture' prevalent in many Western countries glamorizes being busy, sometimes at the cost of personal well-being.

Solutions

  • Many experts recommend setting healthy work boundaries to prevent overworking, like time limits and regular breaks.
  • Practicing mindfulness and self-care can significantly alleviate the negative effects of overwork.

Origin of 'overwork'

The word 'overwork' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'over-' and 'work'. It reflects the concept of working excessively or beyond normal limits. Overwork has been a common issue throughout history, especially in industrialized societies where long hours and intense labor were prevalent. The negative effects of overwork on health and well-being have been documented in various studies, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

See also: coworker, coworkers, hardworking, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, work, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, worker, workers, workforce, working, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear, workweek.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,950, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.