capacity is overstretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity is overstretched" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that the available resources or abilities are being pushed beyond their limit or maximum capacity. Example: "Due to the sudden increase in demand, the hospital's capacity is currently overstretched, resulting in longer wait times for patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In most African countries, the selection, training and employment of community health workers (CHWs) is relatively informal, and the system often relies on volunteers whose capacity is overstretched as separate NGOs attempt to train them in one programme after another.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Due to flood-related injuries and infections that need to be treated, the health facilities' capacities are overstretched.

Global Health Action

The capacity of MNRH is overstretched to breaking point.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The capacity of families to care and protect orphans is overstretched.

Unicef

However, with the present pace of urbanization in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria and within the context of poor economic performance, poor governance, failure of national and urban housing policies, and institutional and legal failure, the capacity of most urban economies in developing countries is overstretched.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Even in promising research on "the role of trust in the transition to sustainable energy" [22], the capacity of rational choice and other fledgling trust concepts is overstretched in that "all are based on a common foundation: trust is a feeling or belief that someone (or some institution) will act in your best interest" ([22], p. 2615).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The Army is overstretched, its counterinsurgency capabilities are mixed, if improving, and its capacity to take on multiple internal groups at once is questionable.

The New Yorker

Our military is overstretched.

The New York Times

Naturally, it is overstretched.

The New York Times

But the expansion is slow and the army is overstretched.

Independent

Now it is overstretched, a reality obvious to all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacity is overstretched", provide specific context about what capacity is being discussed and why it is overstretched for clarity. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the school's capacity to offer extracurricular activities is overstretched".

Common error

Ensure the subject of "capacity" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Instead of saying "the system is overstretched", specify which system you're referring to, such as "the healthcare system's capacity is overstretched".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity is overstretched" functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that the existing ability or resources are insufficient to meet current demands or needs, often highlighting a state of being overburdened or strained. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity is overstretched" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a situation where available resources or abilities are insufficient to meet the demands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "capacity" refers to. Alternative phrases like "resources are strained" or "stretched to the limit" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Avoiding ambiguity is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resources are strained

Focuses on the strain on available resources, rather than capacity specifically.

at full stretch

Implies being stretched to the maximum extent possible.

stretched to the limit

Highlights reaching the absolute limit of capacity.

overwhelmed by demand

Emphasizes that demand surpasses what can be handled.

operating beyond capacity

A more technical term that focuses on operating status exceeding its limits.

under immense pressure

Indicates significant stress and strain on a system or resource.

unable to cope

Highlights an inability to manage current demands or strain.

pushed to the brink

Suggests a situation nearing collapse due to excessive strain.

supply can't meet demand

Highlights the imbalance between available supply and the demand placed upon it.

resources are depleted

Focuses on the exhaustion of resources rather than capacity being exceeded.

FAQs

What does it mean when something's capacity is overstretched?

It means that available resources or abilities are being pushed beyond their limit or maximum capacity.

How can I use "capacity is overstretched" in a sentence?

You can say, "Due to the sudden increase in demand, the hospital's "capacity" is currently "overwhelmed", resulting in longer wait times for patients."

What can I say instead of "capacity is overstretched"?

You can use alternatives like "resources are strained", "at full stretch", or "stretched to the limit" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "capacities are overstretched"?

Yes, "capacities are overstretched" is grammatically correct. It is the plural form, used when referring to multiple capacities that are strained.