1. to build too much or more than is needed in an area
2. to build something that is too large, elaborate, or expensive for its purpose

Examples

• The city council worried that developers would overbuild the downtown area.
• Many suburbs were overbuilt during the housing boom.
• The architect warned against overbuilding the small cottage.
• They decided to overbuild the foundation to ensure it could handle earthquakes.
• The company overbuilt their new headquarters and went over budget.
• Coastal areas are often overbuilt without considering environmental impact.
• The developer chose to overbuild rather than risk structural problems later.