overpromise
Guarantee too much
To overpromise is to commit to more than you can deliver.
The word usually appears alongside underdeliver: They overpromised and underdelivered.
Politicians overpromise during campaigns.
Startups overpromise to investors.
The caution against overpromising acknowledges that excessive promises create expectations that damage trust when unmet.
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- overstatementClaim beyond the facts
- boastingExcessive self-praise
- oversellExaggerate something's value
- overstateRepresent as greater
exaggerate · overestimation · inflation · embellishment · puffery · grandiosity · spin · hyperbole
Binding promise given
- guaranteeFormal promise of fulfillment
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- vowSolemn personal commitment
oath · declaration · undertaking · word · overcommit · overextend · obligation · deadline
Provide less than promised
- shortfallFailure to reach quota
- defaultPreset standard option
- breachBreaking of agreement
- nonperformanceFailure to fulfill obligation
deficiency · incompletion · unfulfilled · inadequacy · gap · miss · fall short · letdown
Bitter loss of faith
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
- regretSorrow over past actions
dashed hopes · disenchantment · frustration · crestfallen · demoralization · mistrust · betrayal · credibility gap
hype
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- overstatementClaim beyond the facts
- boastingExcessive self-praise
- oversellExaggerate something's value
overstate · exaggerate · overestimation · inflation · embellishment · puffery · grandiosity · spin · hyperbole · bluster
pledge
Binding promise given
- guaranteeFormal promise of fulfillment
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
vow · oath · declaration · undertaking · word · overcommit · overextend · obligation · deadline · overreach
underdeliver
Provide less than promised
nonperformance · deficiency · incompletion · unfulfilled · inadequacy · gap · miss · fall short · letdown · backtrack
disillusionment
Bitter loss of faith
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
dashed hopes · regret · disenchantment · frustration · crestfallen · demoralization · mistrust · betrayal · credibility gap · buyer's remorse
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
overload · anxiety · tension · burnout · exhaustion · overwork · demanding · crunch · scramble · stretched thin
overpromiseunderpromise
Promise less than possible
undercommit · deliver · keep one's word · undersell · overdeliver
overpromiseoverdeliver
Exceed promised results
exceed expectations · underdeliver · deliver · follow through · keep one's word