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overwork
/ˈoʊvərˌwɜːrk/
to work too much
She often overworks herself to meet deadlines.
She frequently works excessively to complete tasks on time.
general
to work excessively, often to the point of exhaustion or harm
The employee was overworked and needed a break.
The worker was exhausted from too much work and required rest.
Can refer to physical or mental exhaustion from prolonged work.
general
to use something excessively, often leading to damage or wear
The machine was overworked and broke down.
The machine was used too much and malfunctioned.
Can apply to machines, tools, or systems.
Collocations
overwork oneselfto work too hardoverwork a systemto use a system beyond its capacity
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overworking
Take regular breaks to prevent exhaustion and maintain productivity.
Gold Rule
Balance is key
Overworking can lead to health issues and decreased efficiency.
Word Origin
From 'over-' (excessively) + 'work' (labor). First recorded in the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
Often used to describe physical or mental strain from prolonged work. Can also refer to overusing objects or systems.
Word Breakdown
over-
excessively
prefixwork
labor or effort
rootEnglish Dictionary