overspend
OH-ver-spend
/ˌoʊvərˈspɛnd/
To spend more money than one has or can afford, or more than was planned.
Can be intentional (e.g., 'I overspent on holiday gifts') or unintentional (e.g., 'The project overspent its budget'). It implies exceeding a limit or expectation, often with negative consequences.
The story behind the word. The word 'overspend' is a straightforward combination of two older English words: 'over,' meaning 'beyond' or 'too much,' and 'spend,' from the Old English 'spendan,' meaning 'to expend' or 'to consume.' So, its meaning is exactly what it sounds like: to 'spend beyond' what is appropriate or available. It's a clear and direct term for exceeding your financial limits.
Word relationships
- splurge: To spend a lot of money, often for pleasure, but doesn't necessarily mean exceeding a budget.
- exceed budget: A more formal phrase for spending more than planned.
- run up debt: To accumulate debt, often as a result of overspending.
- underspend: To spend less than the amount allocated or budgeted.
- save: To keep money rather than spend it.
- economize: To spend less money; to be thrifty.
Commonly confused with
- spend: 'Spend' is neutral; 'overspend' specifically means spending too much or beyond a limit.
Word family
- overspending (noun): The act of spending more money than one has or can afford.
Collocations
- overspend budget
- overspend on
- tend to overspend
Example sentences
- "Many people tend to overspend during the holiday season, leading to debt in the new year." A common financial mistake.
- "The construction company was fined for consistently overspending on public contracts." In a business context.
Memory hook
If you 'OVERSPEND', you'll have to 'OVER-END' your budget. Over the limit
When not to use
Do not use 'overspend' for spending within one's means or budget. It specifically means exceeding financial limits.
Fun facts
- Many common English verbs are formed by combining 'over-' with another verb, like 'overlook,' 'overestimate,' and 'overcome'.
Related words
Explore more words
extravagant, overconsumption, expenditure, expense, overestimate, overdraft
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