ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overuse

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌoʊvɝˈjuz// overuse

n. the act of using something too much or too often, which can lead to damage or loss of quality.

n. the excessive or redundant use of something, often resulting in diminished effectiveness or physical strain.


SIMPLE

The overuse of antibiotics is a serious health concern.

CONTEXTUAL

Doctors warned that her wrist pain was caused by the overuse of her computer mouse during long work shifts.

COMPLEX

The critic argued that the film's overuse of special effects ultimately distracted the audience from its weak narrative and underdeveloped characters.

Synonyms
Origin

From over- + use.

Usage

Often appears in compound nouns like 'overuse injury' or followed by the preposition 'of'.

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