# overuse

/ˌoʊvɝˈjuz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overuse
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The overuse of antibiotics is a serious health concern.
- Doctors warned that her wrist pain was caused by the overuse of her computer mouse during long work shifts.
- The critic argued that the film's overuse of special effects ultimately distracted the audience from its weak narrative and underdeveloped characters.

## Usage notes

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

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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.