What does overall mean?
“Overall” is a versatile word used when attention is directed to something as a whole rather than to its separate parts. As an adjective, it can describe a general quality or result: an “overall impression,” “overall performance,” or “overall trend.” As an adverb, it means “in general” or “taken as a whole,” as in a sentence that summarizes several considerations before giving a balanced judgment. In British English, it can also be a noun meaning the total result or score, although this sense is less common in American English. The word often implies that the speaker or writer has considered multiple factors and is now presenting the most important conclusion. It is useful in reports, evaluations, summaries, and conversations because it signals a broad perspective without necessarily suggesting that every detail has been examined equally.
Relating to the whole of something or to the general rather than a particular aspect of it.
"The delay had an overall effect on the schedule."
Often used before words such as “effect,” “impression,” “performance,” “quality,” and “trend.”
Considering something as a whole or stating a general conclusion.
"Overall, the results were encouraging."
Common at the beginning or end of a statement when summarizing several points.
The total result or aggregate of something.
"What was the overall for the competition?"
Chiefly used in British English, especially when referring to a score or final assessment.
When referring to total scores or results, the plural is “overalls.” The plural also refers to a pair of loose work or protective garments.
"The team's overalls were strong despite several individual errors."
The word “overall” is a transparent little instruction: consider the whole, looking “over all” of something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overall come from?
“Overall” was formed in the late nineteenth century by combining “over” with “all,” both of which are much older English words. “Over” developed from Old English “ofer,” while “all” comes from Old English “eall,” ultimately tracing to a Germanic word meaning “entire” or “everything.” The compound originally conveyed the idea of extending across or applying to the whole of something.
Related word forms
How overall is actually used
“Overall” is formal but widely used in general English. It often introduces a general assessment based on several details, so it should not replace a more precise word when a specific quality or feature is intended. The noun sense is mainly British.
Easily confused with overall
“Overall” describes something viewed as a whole or in general, whereas “altogether” means entirely or in total.