Oversell

Pronunciation: /oʊvər.sɛl/

Definitions of oversell

verb to sell more of something than is actually available or than is reasonable

Example Sentences

A1 The salesman tried to oversell me on the expensive vacuum cleaner.

A2 I don't like when companies oversell their products with false promises.

B1 The marketing team tends to oversell the benefits of our new software to clients.

B2 It's important for salespeople to find a balance between promoting a product and overselling it.

C1 The CEO was criticized for overselling the company's projected earnings to investors.

C2 The author's writing style is engaging, but some critics feel he tends to oversell his ideas.

Examples of oversell in a Sentence

formal It is important not to oversell the benefits of the new product in the marketing materials.

informal Don't oversell the car to your friend, let them make their own decision.

slang The salesman tried to oversell me on the phone, but I wasn't buying it.

figurative She tends to oversell her abilities, but in reality, she is just an average performer.

Grammatical Forms of oversell

• past tense: oversold
• plural: oversells
• comparative: more oversell
• superlative: most oversell
• present tense: oversell
• future tense: will oversell
• perfect tense: have oversold
• continuous tense: is overselling
• singular: oversell
• positive degree: oversell
• infinitive: to oversell
• gerund: overselling
• participle: oversold

Origin and Evolution of oversell

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'oversell' originated from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively or beyond, and the verb 'sell' meaning to exchange goods for money.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 17th century, 'oversell' meant to sell more of something than is available or to exaggerate the qualities of a product in order to make a sale. Over time, the word has evolved to also mean to promote or advertise something excessively or in a misleading way.