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 Kaufman
Examples 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
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
But overusing them can strip away your skin's natural moisturizing oils, Dr. Lenzy explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024
Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
The main complaints about the internet today concern its harmful effects on minors, its possible links to psychological depression and the overuse of pornography.
—Tyler Cowen, Twin Cities, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overuse 
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Verb
Using heat-protection sprays and blow-dry-specific products can also help minimize damage, though Sahin warned against overusing styling products.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
But overusing them can strip away your skin's natural moisturizing oils, Dr. Lenzy explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
The need for cover was immediately pronounced, as Leeds’ overuse of Adams left him with a torn hamstring that ended his season in early March.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
The main complaints about the internet today concern its harmful effects on minors, its possible links to psychological depression and the overuse of pornography.
—Tyler Cowen, Twin Cities, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overuse
Dictionary Entries Near overuse
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overuse. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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