English Reference
Verb

overstated

v.
C1 Advanced US /ˈoʊvɝˌsteɪtɪd/ UK /ˌəʊvəstˈeɪtɪd/ over·stat·ed

v.to describe something as being more important or bigger than it really is. You use this when someone makes a claim that is too strong or exaggerated.

v.to represent something as being more significant, intense, or extensive than it actually is. Often used in critical contexts to describe claims or descriptions that lack accuracy.


SIMPLE

The report overstated the benefits of the new policy.

CONTEXTUAL

The marketing team was accused of overstating the product's capabilities to attract more customers.

COMPLEX

While the initial findings suggested a significant decline in the population, subsequent data revealed that the results had been overstated by the researchers' flawed methodology.

Fears that they may have lost their appetite having ended their 22-year wait for the title may have been overstated (although much, much tougher tests await).

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Your report ( 5 August ) refers to the Guardian’s own investigation, with revelations that this professor may have inflated his running achievements and overstated threats to his personal safety.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated