WordGarden.iooverhaul
C1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈoʊvərˌhɔl/
Meanings
Verb
make major changes to improve a system, organization, or law
take apart and repair a machine or engine thoroughly
Noun
a major repair or reorganization meant to improve something
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old car sputtering along, barely running. An overhaul is not just a quick fix. It means taking the whole thing apart, checking every piece, replacing what is worn out, and putting it back together so it works much better than before. You might overhaul your kitchen, giving it a fresh look and making it more useful. A company might overhaul its rules or way of working to solve bigger problems. The idea is a deep, serious change, not a small touch-up.
To overhaul something means to thoroughly examine it, renovate it, or make major improvements to it. It goes beyond simple repairs; an overhaul involves taking something apart completely, assessing its condition, replacing worn or damaged parts, and reassembling it in a renewed state.
Originally, the word came from shipbuilding—literally meaning to "haul over" the ropes of a ship's tackle to inspect or slacken them. This sense of pulling everything apart for inspection stuck. Today, we use overhaul in many contexts. A mechanic might overhaul an engine, a government might overhaul its healthcare system, or you might overhaul your entire wardrobe.
The key is that it's not just about fixing what's broken; it's about fundamentally improving the whole thing. It suggests a significant investment of time and effort to achieve substantial change. You wouldn't overhaul a chipped teacup, but you might overhaul your life after a major setback, making sweeping changes to your habits and priorities.
So, when something needs more than just a quick fix, when it requires a complete re-evaluation and reconstruction, that's when you call for an overhaul.
Examples
- 1
Vehicle repair
The mechanic overhauled the truck's engine over the weekend.
- 2
School food
The school overhauled its lunch menu after students complained.
- 3
Hiring process
The new manager wants to overhaul the hiring process.
- 4
Software product
The app needs a complete overhaul before we launch it again.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Tax reform
The report calls for an overhaul of the tax system.
- 6
Training program
Our training program is due for an overhaul after ten years.
- Phrasebe due for an overhaul
need major changes soon
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- overhaul an engine
- overhaul a system
- overhaul the tax code
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- overhaulnounverb
Forms
- overhauledpast tenseverbnoun
- overhauling-ing formverbnoun
- overhaulspluralnounverb