What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overbooking
Example
The airline overbooked the flight, and several passengers were left without a seat. [overbooked: past tense]
Example
The hotel had to deal with an overbooking issue during the busy holiday season. [overbooking: noun]
overselling
Example
The store oversold the popular toy, and many customers were disappointed. [oversold: past tense]
Example
The concert was oversold, and some fans had to watch from a screen outside the venue. [oversold: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overbooking is more commonly used than overselling in the travel and hospitality industry. Overselling is a broader term that can apply to any industry that sells products or services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overbooking and overselling?
Both overbooking and overselling are commonly used in informal and formal contexts, depending on the industry and situation. However, overbooking may have a more negative connotation and may be less appropriate in formal settings.
