C1verbformalbusinessacademic
US/ˌoʊ.vərˈsteɪt/
UK/ˌəʊ.vəˈsteɪt/
to describe something as bigger or more important than it really is
In context
It would be difficult to overstate the importance of good customer service.
The report overstated the company's profits by nearly ten percent.
Critics say the minister overstated the benefits of the new policy.
Words that go with overstate
verb + noun
- overstate the importanceDo not overstate the importance of one test score.
- overstate the caseThe lawyer was accused of overstating the case.
- overstate the benefitsThe brochure overstates the benefits of the course.
- overstate profitsSome firms overstate profits to attract investors.
adverb + verb
- grossly overstateThe figures grossly overstate the problem.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
It is hard to overstate about its importance.Correct: It is hard to overstate its importance.