# overcooked

/ˌoʊvɝˈkʊkt/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəkˈʊkt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overcooked
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

cooked for too long, so it becomes dry, soft, or burnt and tastes bad.

For teachers: cooked beyond the desired point, resulting in loss of texture, moisture, or flavour. Typically describes vegetables, meat, pasta, or other foods prepared with heat.

## Examples

- She hates overcooked vegetables because they taste too soft.
- The restaurant apologized after serving overcooked steak that was dry and tough.
- The chef explained that overcooked pasta loses its bite and turns mushy within minutes if left in boiling water.

## Usage notes

- Often placed before a noun ('overcooked pasta') or after linking verbs like 'be', 'taste', or 'look'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.