What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overkill
Example
Using a flamethrower to kill a spider is overkill. [overkill: noun]
Example
The security measures for a small event were overkill and caused inconvenience to attendees. [overkill: adjective]
overuse
Example
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. [overuse: noun]
Example
He tends to overuse the word 'literally' in his conversations. [overuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overuse is more commonly used than overkill in everyday language. Overuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overkill is less common and often associated with violent or aggressive situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overkill and overuse?
Both overkill and overuse are informal words, but overuse can be used in more formal contexts when referring to excessive use of resources or materials.
