overstretch

/ˌoʊvərˈstretʃ/
noun
  1. A situation in which something is stretched or extended beyond its normal or sustainable limit.
    • Economic overstretch can lead to a recession if not managed carefully.
    • The team's overstretch of resources led to delays in the project.
    • The overstretch of the rope caused it to fray and eventually break.
verb
  1. To stretch something too far or beyond its normal limit, causing damage or strain.
    • The athlete overstretched his hamstring during the warm-up and had to stop.
    • Be careful not to overstretch the elastic band or it will snap.
    • If you overstretch the canvas, the paint may crack as it dries.
  2. To extend or push someone or something (such as resources, abilities, or finances) beyond what is sustainable or reasonable.
    • The military was overstretched trying to maintain peace in multiple regions at the same time.
    • The company overstretched its budget by hiring too many new staff at once.
    • She overstretched herself by taking on three part-time jobs while studying full-time.
What does "overstretch" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean