overreaching

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃɪŋ/
• American: oh-ver-REE-ching

Origin

From Middle English "overrechen," combining the prefix "over-" (meaning excessive or beyond) and "reach" (to extend or stretch).

Meanings

1. (adjective) Excessively ambitious or presumptuous
2. (verb, present participle) Attempting to do or achieve more than is possible or desirable

Example Sentences

1. His overreaching ambition led to his downfall in the company.
2. The government was accused of overreaching its authority with the new regulations.
3. By overreaching himself in the negotiation, he lost the deal entirely.

Related Words

• Forms: overreach (verb), overreached (past tense), overreacher (noun)
• Synonyms: overambitious, presumptuous, excessive, immoderate

Memorizable Tricks

• Think of "over" + "reaching": reaching beyond one's grasp or limits
• Visualize someone stretching their arm too far and losing balance, symbolizing excessive ambition
• Remember the phrase "Don't overreach yourself" as a warning against excessive ambition