Overload

To overload means to burden or subject something (or someone) to more than it can handle. This can involve exceeding a physical capacity, such as weight or electrical current, or exceeding a cognitive or emotional capacity, such as work assignments or information intake. overload often results in malfunction, breakdown, or distress. It can be applied to systems, individuals, or abstract concepts. The consequences of overload include failure, exhaustion, and reduced performance. The term highlights the exceeding of a threshold limit.

Overload meaning with examples

• The aging bridge was at risk of structural failure due to vehicle overload. Engineers were forced to restrict heavy trucks from crossing, fearing a collapse. Without immediate repairs, the overload of daily traffic would inevitably cause serious damage. The safety of motorists and the bridge's integrity were paramount concerns, prompting proactive load management.
• The software overload during the peak hour crash of the server, resulting in data loss and a system outage. Technical staff worked tirelessly to restore functionality and prevent future recurrences by optimization. The initial overload was identified as a combination of high traffic and inefficient code execution. They deployed a backup system.
• The employee experienced a severe emotional overload due to constant workplace stress and unrealistic deadlines. He felt overwhelmed with an excessive workload. The resulting burnout significantly impacted his productivity and well-being. The company was struggling to keep a hold on its employees which made this overload even more overwhelming
• The city experienced an electrical grid overload during a heatwave. Demand for air conditioning surged, exceeding the power plant's capacity. Power outages resulted, disrupting daily life and essential services across many different areas. The infrastructure couldn't sustain the demand; the overload was unavoidable.