WordValeoverhead
ongoing business costs not tied to a specific product
In more detail
1. (adjective) located above your head; at or near the ceiling
2. (adjective) included in the total cost of running a business (such as rent, electricity, and salaries)
3. (adverb) above your head; in the space above
4. (noun) the costs of running a business that are not directly related to producing goods or services
Examples
- 1. The overhead lights in the office are very bright.
- 2. The overhead costs for the restaurant are quite high.
- 3. A plane flew overhead during the meeting.
How to use overhead
As an adjective or adverb, overhead refers to physical location above the head or at ceiling level. As a noun or adjective in business contexts, it means recurring expenses needed to operate a business that cannot be directly attributed to production (rent, utilities, administration). The term is commonly used in both everyday and technical business language.
Common phrases
- overhead lighting
- overhead costs
- overhead projector
- keep your eyes overhead
- overhead expenses
- overhead compartment
Synonyms
above · aloft · upstairs · operating costs · running costs
Word family
overhead (adj/adv/noun) · overheads (noun, plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse overhead (general business expenses) with direct costs or production costs, forgetting that overhead specifically excludes the costs of materials and labor directly tied to making products.
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