Overburden
verb
To give someone too much to deal with or too much responsibility.
He was overburdened with work and couldn't take time off.
Often appears as...
- overburden with responsibilities
- overburden with work
noun
In mining, it refers to the rock or soil overlying a mineral deposit.
They had to remove the overburden to reach the coal seam.
Often appears as...
- remove the overburden
- overburden layer
Usage tips
Technical
Technical
verb
To give someone too much to deal with or too much responsibility.
He was overburdened with work and couldn't take time off.
Often appears as...
- overburden with responsibilities
- overburden with work
noun
In mining, it refers to the rock or soil overlying a mineral deposit.
They had to remove the overburden to reach the coal seam.
Often appears as...
- remove the overburden
- overburden layer
Usage tips
Technical
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Feeling Overwhelmed
Use 'overburden' when someone feels overwhelmed by too many tasks or pressures.
She felt overburdened by the demands of her new job.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Physical
Although it sounds physical, 'overburden' often refers to emotional or mental strain as well.
Parents can sometimes feel overburdened by the responsibilities of childcare.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
'Overburden' is powerful in the right context, but overusing it can weaken its impact.
Saying that you're overburdened every day can make others take it less seriously.
Pro Tip 1/3Feeling Overwhelmed
Use 'overburden' when someone feels overwhelmed by too many tasks or pressures.
She felt overburdened by the demands of her new job.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Physical
Although it sounds physical, 'overburden' often refers to emotional or mental strain as well.
Parents can sometimes feel overburdened by the responsibilities of childcare.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
'Overburden' is powerful in the right context, but overusing it can weaken its impact.
Saying that you're overburdened every day can make others take it less seriously.
Pro Tip 1/3Feeling Overwhelmed
Use 'overburden' when someone feels overwhelmed by too many tasks or pressures.
She felt overburdened by the demands of her new job.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Physical
Although it sounds physical, 'overburden' often refers to emotional or mental strain as well.
Parents can sometimes feel overburdened by the responsibilities of childcare.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
'Overburden' is powerful in the right context, but overusing it can weaken its impact.
Saying that you're overburdened every day can make others take it less seriously.
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