Overreached

To attempt to do or achieve more than one is capable of; to exceed one's limitations, capacity, or resources. This often results in failure or negative consequences. The term implies an overestimation of one's abilities or the resources available. It suggests ambition that has outstripped prudence or practical limits. The action usually leads to unfavorable results, revealing the extent of the original miscalculation or error in judgment.

Overreached meaning with examples

• The ambitious startup, eager for rapid expansion, overreached by launching multiple products simultaneously. They quickly ran out of funding, overwhelmed by the logistical complexities and couldn't effectively compete, eventually leading to their eventual failure. The attempt was too extensive to manage, causing a spectacular collapse.
• Determined to impress the investors, the company overreached in its initial funding requests, inflating their market analysis and revenue projections. When the deal fell through after inspection of their business operations, the company was viewed as untrustworthy, causing major reputational damage and investment losses.
• In his effort to win the election, the candidate overreached with his negative campaigning tactics, spreading misinformation and attacking his opponent's personal life. This backfired severely, as voters perceived him as dishonest and lacking integrity, pushing people towards the opposing candidate instead.
• The mountaineer, driven by a desire to be first, overreached by attempting the summit of the dangerous peak without sufficient acclimatization. He suffered from altitude sickness and exhaustion, almost perishing, forcing a rescue operation. This was proof of the consequences of exceeding one's limits.
• The diplomat, confident in his persuasive abilities, overreached in the negotiations, demanding excessive concessions from the opposing nation. This rigid stance strained the relationship further, and resulted in a diplomatic stalemate. This highlighted the folly of pushing too hard.