over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—Christina McAnea
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment.
—Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
That would be true even if not for the fact that the United States is overstretched trying to manage a whole range of security problems across the globe.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025
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Noun
Ray Dalio repeatedly warned of this scenario: spiraling debt leading to economic and military overstretch, unchecked inequality, declining investments in education and infrastructure, ultimately eroding trust through endless debt accumulation and money printing.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment.
—Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Verb
Digitization tracks the optimal use and puts to use the resources that aren't being used optimally, while making sure nothing or no one is overstretched, thus creating a seamless operation of all moving parts together.
—Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
That would be true even if not for the fact that the United States is overstretched trying to manage a whole range of security problems across the globe.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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