overkill

/ˌoʊvərˈkɪl/

Definitions

1. noun

an amount or intensity of something that is excessive or unnecessary, especially in relation to the situation or problem it is intended to solve

“The new security system was seen as overkill for the small town’s needs.”

2. noun

an action or event that is excessive or unnecessary, especially in relation to the situation or problem it is intended to solve

“The company’s aggressive marketing campaign was considered overkill and ultimately backfired.”

3. verb

to use or provide something in an excessive or unnecessary way

“The project manager overkilled the budget by adding too many features.”

Synonyms

  • excess
  • overabundance
  • surplus

Antonyms

  • insufficiency
  • underkill