English dictionary

overwork Meaning & Definition

Q: What is the past tense of overwork?

The past tense of overwork is overworked. The present participle is overworking.

/ˌəʊvəˈwɜːk/

What Does Overwork Mean?

As a verb, overwork means To make (someone or something) work too hard. It can also mean To work too hard. As a noun, it means A superstructure.

Overwork at a Glance

Part of speech	verb, noun
Pronunciation	//ˌəʊvəˈwɜːk//
Syllables	1
Synonyms	exploit and overworking
Verb forms	overworks, overworking, overworked

Overwork Definition (Verb)

To make (someone or something) work too hard.
to overwork a horse
To work too hard.
To fill too full of work; to crowd with labour.
To decorate all over.

Overwork as a Noun

A superstructure.
Excessive work.

Verb

To make (someone) work too hard.
to overwork a horse

Synonyms of Overwork

exploit overworking

Overwork synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Overwork

No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.

Overwork in a Sentence

to overwork a horse

Word Forms & Grammar

overwork (third-person singular simple present overworks, present participle overworking, simple past and past participle overworked or (archaic) overwrought)

overwork (uncountable)

Words That Rhyme With Overwork

Origin of Overwork

Origin 1: From Middle English overwerken, possibly from Old English oferwyrċan (“to overwork, overlay”), equivalent to over- +‎ work. Cognate with Dutch overwerken (“to overwork”).

Origin 2: From Middle English overwerc, from Old English oferweorc, oferġeweorc (“an overwork, superstructure, tomb”), equivalent to over- +‎ work.

Overwork Pronunciation

The standard pronunciation of overwork is //ˌəʊvəˈwɜːk//, spoken in 1 syllable.

Questions People Ask About Overwork

Is overwork a verb or a noun?

Overwork is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for overwork?

You can replace overwork with words such as exploit and overworking. See the full list of overwork synonyms and antonyms.

What is the past tense of overwork?

The past tense of overwork is overworked. The present participle is overworking.