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Overworked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฉ
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overworked

[หŒoสŠvษ™rหˆwษœrkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

workload stress

Overworked refers to a state where an individual has been made to work excessively, often beyond their capacity. This can lead to fatigue, stress, and negative impacts on mental and physical health. It typically indicates a chronic situation where a person is unable to maintain work-life balance due to overwhelming responsibilities. Being overworked can arise from long hours, heavy workloads, or insufficient staffing. The consequences can include burnout, decreased productivity, and various health issues.

Synonyms

exhausted, fatigued, overburdened, overloaded, stressed.

Examples of usage

  • She felt overworked after two months of overtime.
  • Employees are often overworked during peak seasons.
  • The overworked staff struggled to meet the demands.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Constantly being overworked can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.
  • Studies show that taking regular breaks and vacations can significantly improve productivity and reduce feelings of being overworked.

Work Culture

  • In many industries today, being overworked is often seen as a badge of honor, reflecting dedication to oneโ€™s job.
  • The rise of technology, especially in remote work, has blurred the lines between work hours and personal time, contributing to this feeling.

Health Implications

  • Excessive workload can lead to various health issues, including stress, anxiety, and heart problems.
  • Organizations that promote work-life balance often experience lower employee turnover and higher job satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows frequently depict characters who struggle with being overworked, showcasing its impact on personal relationships and mental health.
  • The phrase 'work-life balance' has become a popular topic in discussions about modern lifestyles, particularly in the context of overwork.

Origin of 'overworked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from combining 'over,' meaning too much, and 'work,' which refers to tasks or jobs.
  • It started appearing in the English language around the early 20th century as job demands increased.

The term 'overworked' is a compound word formed from 'over' and 'worked'. The prefix 'over-' implies an excess or too much, while 'worked' comes from the base form 'work', which is derived from Old English 'weorc' meaning physical or mental effort. The usage of 'overworked' dates back to the late 19th century, around the time when industrialization led to workers experiencing longer hours and heavier workloads. Referencing the exploitation of labor forces during this period, the term began to gain traction in discussions around work conditions and employee rights. Over the decades, the concept has evolved alongside labor movements and continues to be relevant in modern workplace conversations, especially with rising concerns about mental health and work-life balance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,339, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.