Word
overdone
Phoneticsover·done
US/ˈoʊvɝˈdən/
UK/ˌəʊvədˈʌn/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The actor's performance was a bit overdone for the quiet play.”
“The interior designer warned that the gold leaf on the walls would look overdone if we added too many mirrors.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Etymology
From Middle English overdon, from Old English oferdōn, equivalent to over- + done.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/overdone