To take on more responsibilities, commitments, or obligations than one can reasonably manage; to strain one's resources, capabilities, or capacity beyond a sustainable limit. This can apply to time, finances, personnel, or other assets. It often leads to stress, poor performance, and potentially even failure in some or all commitments. The core issue involves a misjudgment of one's capacity, resulting in an unsustainable level of activity or expenditure. Careful planning and realistic self-assessment are crucial to avoid overextending.
Overextends meaning with examples
- The company, eager to expand rapidly, overextended itself by taking on too many new projects simultaneously. Their resources, both financial and human, were stretched thin, and quality suffered as a result. They eventually had to scale back their operations and streamline their focus to regain their financial stability and customer base.
- John, ambitious as always, overextended his personal finances by investing heavily in speculative stocks. He failed to diversify his portfolio and did not consider the risks involved. When the market downturn hit, he was unable to meet his payment obligations, and his savings were dramatically reduced leaving him in a difficult financial predicament.
- The project manager overextended the team's capabilities by setting an unrealistic deadline for the website redesign. The developers were forced to work excessive hours, leading to burnout and a decline in the quality of their work. The deadline was ultimately missed. This resulted in a complete overhaul of the project plan.
- Sarah, a dedicated volunteer, overextended her free time by joining several community organizations simultaneously. She felt obligated to attend every meeting and participate in every event. This left her with little time for herself, affecting her personal relationships and causing her to feel exhausted, impacting her general wellbeing.
- The government's ambitious infrastructure plan, funded by substantial borrowing, overextended the national budget. The country's debt levels rose, placing it under increased financial strain. This led to austerity measures, reduced social services, and, ultimately, caused economic hardship for its citizens.