over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 
overused; overusing
: to use (something) too much : to use (something) excessively or too frequently
a word that has been greatly overused
At best, gatekeepers can keep everyone from overusing costly high-tech treatments when primary care is enough.—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüs
: too much use : excessive or too frequent use
the overuse of antibiotics
athletes suffering from overuse injuries
His overuse of four-letter words—often a dozen per page—may accurately mirror a macho world where cussing is cool, but it is tedious to read.—Frederick Kaufman
Frederick KaufmanExamples of overuse in a Sentence
Verb
she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws
Recent Examples on the Web
Libby Page, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Side effects can vary based on your overall condition and the specific vitamin or supplement overused.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025
Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
According to Marathe, fast fashion causes textile waste, water overuse and pollution during production and carbon emissions.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
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Verb
The word timeless can sometimes be overused in fashion, but this is that word in action.
—Libby Page, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Side effects can vary based on your overall condition and the specific vitamin or supplement overused.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
However, this does not address the root of the problem—which is cutting the overuse.
—Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
According to Marathe, fast fashion causes textile waste, water overuse and pollution during production and carbon emissions.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overuse. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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