overuse

Verb

overuse (third-person singular simple present overuses, present participle overusing, simple past and past participle overused)

1. (transitive) To use too much of (something); to use (it) too often.
   • Another group argues that the diagnosis is being overused and that many of the diagnosed cases are iatrogenic, or unintentionally shaped or caused by the practitioner2003, Michael L. Raulin, Abnormal Psychology, Pearson Education, Inc., page 494
   • On a summer visit back to the farm here where I grew up, I think I figured out the central problem with modern industrial agriculture. It’s not just that it produces unhealthy food, mishandles waste and overuses antibiotics in ways that harm us all.2009 August 22, Nicholas Kristof, “Food for the Soul”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms:

   overwork

Noun

UK/ˌəʊvəˈjuːs/US/ˌoʊvɚˈjuːs/

overuse (uncountable)

1. excessive use
   • There’s an occasional schmaltziness, aggravated by the overuse of a twangy score, but more than enough moments of genuine heartbreak, joy and suspense to make up for it.2015 July 5, Mike Hale, “Review: ‘Tough Love’ on PBS Examines Custody Battles With the State”, in The New York Times