overstated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overstated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means to describe something that is exaggerated or to make something appear more significant than it is. Example: The importance of knowing how to write a good essay is often overstated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It went so far as to note its concern over commercial income – the fees paid by suppliers for Tesco giving their products prominence within their stores, and the income overstated in August by the supermarket chain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such reports, he said, are "vastly overstated".

The Guardian

But with telecoms in a slump, there may not be many buyers.Xerox restated its accounts in June because the office-equipment company said that a so-called "misapplication of GAAP" (generally accepted accounting standards) overstated its profits by $1.4 billion over five years.

The Economist

She knows little about economics and, even when Mr Campos was on the ticket, the PSB team looked sparse.Then again, the benefits of experience can be overstated.

The Economist

Such assets, it is argued, are either undervalued or ignored in the denominator of q, causing the ratio to be overstated.

The Economist

The accounts of the garbage-collecting business have been audited by the Chicago office of Andersen (né Arthur Andersen) for more than 30 years, but the unqualified audited accounts for the years of 1992 to 1996 were subsequently found to have overstated Waste Management's pre-tax income by more than $1.4 billion.

The Economist

At Xerox, which overstated its profits by $1.4 billion, Barry Romeril's retirement as CFO in December has not spared him an SEC letter asking why he should not be charged with fraud.Why are so many CFOs in trouble?

The Economist

But avoiding restructuring and running out of money could end up being just as disruptive.The potential for unrest is easily overstated.

The Economist

It admitted in early July that it had overstated its revenues and its costs by some $14 billion over three years.

The Economist

But this is not another Enron Merck's profits were not overstated and there is certainly no question of fraud.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

AS A geopolitical landmark, its significance can hardly be overstated--the admission to the Atlantic alliance of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, which was due to be formalised on March 12th, six weeks before the summit to celebrate NATO's 50th anniversary.It means that in the new Europe, destiny is no longer determined by geography.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overstated", ensure that you provide evidence or reasoning to support the claim that something is exaggerated, this strengthens your argument and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "overstated" without providing context or explanation. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced. Instead, specify why and how it is overstated.

Linguistic Context

The term "overstated" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something has been represented in an exaggerated or unduly emphatic manner. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly and effectively conveys the concept of exaggeration or misrepresentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "overstated" is frequently used to express that something has been exaggerated or represented as more significant than it truly is. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Its function is to critically assess and moderate claims, commonly appearing in news and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to substantiate claims of overstatement with evidence. Alternative phrases include "exaggerated" and "overvalued", offering subtle variations in meaning. With its common usage and nuanced implications, "overstated" remains a valuable term for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exaggerated

Emphasizes the act of representing something as greater than it is.

Overemphasized

Focuses on giving something more importance than it deserves.

Overvalued

Highlights the inflated worth or importance assigned to something.

Magnified

Suggests an increase in the apparent size or importance.

Inflated

Implies an artificial increase in size, value, or significance.

Overdrawn

Indicates that something has been depicted in an excessively dramatic way.

Aggrandized

Refers to making something appear greater or more important.

Embellished

Implies the addition of decorative details to make something more attractive or impressive.

Colored

Indicates a biased or subjective presentation of facts.

Distorted

Suggests a deformation or misrepresentation of the truth.

FAQs

How do you use "overstated" in a sentence?

The term "overstated" is typically used to describe something that has been exaggerated or represented in a more significant way than it actually is. For example, "The importance of this issue is often overstated."

What's the difference between "exaggerated" and "overstated"?

"Exaggerated" and "overstated" are very similar, but "exaggerated" often implies a more deliberate intent to mislead, while "overstated" can simply mean that something's importance or extent has been incorrectly assessed. You can use alternatives like "exaggerated" or "overemphasized" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "overstated"?

You can use alternatives like "exaggerated", "overvalued", or "inflated" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to say something is "overstated"?

Yes, using "overstated" generally implies a critical assessment. It suggests that someone has presented information in a way that is not entirely accurate or proportional to the actual situation.