What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overtask
Example
I don't want to overtask my employees, so I try to delegate tasks evenly. [overtask: verb]
Example
The teacher overtasked the students with too much homework, causing stress and anxiety. [overtasked: past tense]
overwork
Example
I tend to overwork myself when I have a lot on my plate, but I'm trying to take breaks more often. [overwork: verb]
Example
The doctor was overworked and exhausted from working long hours at the hospital. [overworked: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overwork is more commonly used than overtask in everyday language. Overwork is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overtask is less common and refers to a specific situation where someone is assigned too much work or responsibility.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overtask and overwork?
Both overtask and overwork are relatively formal words and are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts.
