English Reference
Verb

overdone

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈoʊvɝˈdən/ UK /ˌəʊvədˈʌn/ over·done

v.done too much or too well. It describes something that has gone beyond what is necessary or natural, making it look fake or boring.

v.exceeding what is appropriate or necessary; performed with excessive effort or intensity. Often describes a style, performance, or decoration that lacks subtlety.


SIMPLE

The actor's performance was a bit overdone for the quiet play.

CONTEXTUAL

The interior designer warned that the gold leaf on the walls would look overdone if we added too many mirrors.

COMPLEX

While the initial concept was fresh and innovative, the final marketing campaign felt overdone, relying on clichés and loud visuals that alienated the very audience it sought to attract.


From Middle English overdon, from Old English oferdōn, equivalent to over- + done.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English oferdōn
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated