Skip to main content
overload

overload

30 4.4
Too much work or information that makes you feel stressed
  • noun
  • /ˈoʊvərloʊd/
translation icon : sobrecarga
  • The teachers and administrators felt that an overload of extra duties contributed to low morale.
  • role overload
  • information overload
  • work overload

The cognitive overload or overhead is really high.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Intense heat, pain, and an overall sensory overload greatly affected inexperienced members.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Academic librarians are aware that information overload can lead to frustration and feelings of despair.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The other response to information overload is selective exposure.

  • For a student with bilingual special education needs, the overload may be even greater.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Regression results revealed that role conflict and work overload significantly contributed to emotional exhaustion.

    Academic text (2011)
  • In the interest of avoiding information overload, the OilPro will flag certain predetermined diagnostic limits, Gould said.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The system crashed due to an overload of data during the peak usage hours.

  • The engineer warned that the overload on the machine would cause it to overheat.

  • After experiencing an overload of responsibilities, she decided to take a break and reassess her priorities.

Synonyms

burden
vsoverload
482 3.4

A heavy load or something that causes worry and difficulty

means specifically an excessive amount that goes beyond safe or manageable levels
overkill
vsoverload
  • Informal
40 5.4

Using more than you need so it is unnecessary

denotes an excess that creates risk or cannot be managed, not just wasteful surplus
overabundance
vsoverload
7 5.7

Too much of something that is not needed

implies an excess that creates safety or manageability problems rather than mere surplus
superabundance
vsoverload
1 7.9

A very large amount of something that is more than needed

is the excess amount that creates unsafe or unmanageable conditions
overburden
vsoverload
1 6.6

A heavy load of work or problems that a person cannot manage

is broader, any excess amount that exceeds safe or manageable limits
overextension
vsoverload
1 5.8

Taking on more work or responsibility than can be handled

focuses on an excessive amount or load rather than the act of overreaching
overtaxation
vsoverload
7.4

Giving someone too much work or pressure so they become very tired

is the excess amount itself rather than the resulting state of strain
overcapacity
vsoverload
5.1

Containing more people than a building or room was made to hold

applies to any excessive amount beyond safe or manageable limits
superload
vsoverload
  • Specialized
8.4

A very heavy weight on a bridge or building caused by large vehicles

covers general excess amounts that cause unsafe or unmanageable conditions
overplus
vsoverload
  • Archaic
9.8

An amount that is more than is needed, often extra food or goods

points to excess that becomes too much to handle or control
overmuchness
vsoverload
  • Archaic
9.9

A state of being more than is needed or wanted

refers to excess that exceeds normal, safe, or manageable limits

Antonyms

A vehicle or machine carrying less weight than usual

Compounds

iron overload
  • Specialized
5.8

Too much iron in the body that can damage organs

How Burdensome

overburden
1 6.6
overload
30 4.4
strain
72 4.3
burden
482 3.4
load
278 1.1

Surface Forms

overload singular
overloads plural

Morphology

overload = load (transparent) = over + load

Meaning is directly derived from 'over' (excessive) + 'load' (burden), so the sense is clear to learners.

Etymology

Overload combines over- meaning 'too much' and load meaning 'a burden or weight'. So an overload is a burden that is 'too heavy' or more than you can handle.