rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoverrunExceeding a limit
verb / noun

overrun

Going beyond an intended or allowed limit.

Our weekly meetings often overrun their scheduled time by several minutes.

Etymology
overEnglishbeyond
+runEnglishcontinue

Overrun combines over, meaning beyond, with run. A process overruns when it continues past the boundary set by a budget, schedule, or other limit.

More examples

  • The renovation overran its budget by several thousand dollars.
  • A cost overrun forced us to postpone the second phase.
  • We set aside extra money to cover budget overruns.

Forms

overrun · overruns · overran · overrunning

Similar words

exceed
Means go beyond any amount, not necessarily a planned limit.
overspend
Specifically means spending too much, rather than exceeding other limits.
excess
Names an amount beyond what is needed or permitted.