Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəwˈɜːk] (IPA) 
The word "overwork" is spelled with the letters O-V-E-R-W-O-R-K. It is pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrk/. The first syllable "o" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, then followed by "v," "e," and "r" with a schwa sound in between. The second syllable "work" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and emphasized by the stress mark. The word means to work excessively or to work beyond one's capacity.
Overwork is a verb that refers to the act of pushing oneself or someone else beyond reasonable limits by engaging in excessive or prolonged physical or mental effort. It involves working excessively or straining oneself beyond what is considered normal or healthy, often exceeding the usual working hours or productivity expectations. Overwork typically occurs in professional settings or occupations where individuals are compelled to put in longer hours or work intensively to fulfill their job responsibilities.
The term can also be used as a noun to describe the state of being overwhelmed or exhausted due to excessive work or working conditions that demand too much effort. It implies a state of fatigue, burnout, or physical and mental stress resulting from prolonged and intense work. Overwork can be caused by external factors, such as demanding job requirements or pressure from supervisors, or internal factors, including self-imposed high expectations or a strong work ethic.
Overworking oneself can lead to negative consequences on a person's physical and mental health, including increased susceptibility to illness, decreased productivity, impaired concentration, and overall reduced well-being. It is essential to recognize the signs of overwork and take proactive measures to maintain a healthy work-life balance, such as setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking support or assistance when needed.
• Excessive labour.
• To cause to labour beyond strength or capacity; to tire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "overwork" is a compound formed by combining the prefix "over-" and the noun "work".
The prefix "over-" in English comes from the Old English word "ofer" and has the meaning of "above" or "beyond". It is often used to indicate excess or too much of something. In the case of "overwork", it signifies excessive or too many demands in relation to work.
The noun "work" comes from the Old English word "weorc" and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "werkan". It has retained its meaning throughout various Germanic languages, referring to physical or mental effort, labor, or tasks performed to achieve a specific goal.
Therefore, the word "overwork" logically joins the concepts of excess and labor, describing the state of being burdened or overwhelmed by an excessive amount of work or effort.
