overworked

UK: ˌəʊvəˈwɜːkt | US: ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrkt

Definition
  1. adj. exhausted or strained due to excessive work

  2. vt. (past tense of overwork) subjected to excessive labor

Structure
over <excessive>work <labor>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word overworked combines over- (Old English ofer, meaning "excessive") with work (Old English weorc, meaning "labor"). The suffix -ed marks it as a past participle, indicating a state resulting from action. The term reflects the physical or mental strain caused by prolonged or intense labor, a concept rooted in industrial-era work culture.

Examples
  1. She felt overworked after pulling three all-nighters.

  2. The employees were visibly overworked during the holiday rush.

  3. His overworked muscles ached from lifting heavy boxes.

  4. Avoid becoming overworked by setting clear boundaries.

  5. The report highlighted overworked healthcare staff during the pandemic.