overpromise

verb

over·​prom·​ise ˌō-vər-ˈprä-məs How to pronounce overpromise (audio)
overpromised; overpromising

transitive + intransitive

: to promise more than is possible or realistic
Political candidates always overpromise or else the electorate won't bother to show up at their rallies.Michael Gomez
… received sharp criticism for overpromising and underperforming.Industry Week
Then a change in the Facebook algorithm punished click bait, which can tend to overpromise on what it links to. Steep traffic drops followed.Jim Rutenberg
To close a deal, bad vendors tend to overpromise features that they claim will be added down the line but never materialize.Michael Kan

Examples of overpromise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another central point is to not overpromise on the tech just to satisfy investors or get more customers. Billee Howard, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Both teams should present a unified front, avoiding overpromising that puts onboarding in a difficult position. Rachel Lyubovitzky, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 If that’s the case, Musk—who has a history of overpromising—could become the world’s first trillionaire. Matt Durot, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Lastly, don’t overpromise and underdeliver—especially at a time like this. Rob Lancit, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overpromise 

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpromise was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near overpromise

Cite this Entry

“Overpromise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpromise. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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