overall

Overall is a versatile English term with several related uses. As an adverb and adjective, it means considering everything or in total. It is used to indicate a general or aggregate assessment, as in overall result, overall cost, or overall performance. In neutral writing it often contrasts with parts or components, for example, “Overall, the project was successful despite some delays.” In data and analysis, overall describes trends or measures that apply across an entire set rather than a subset.

As a noun, overalls (or dungarees) refer to a one-piece garment with a bib at the front and shoulder straps that fasten over the shoulders. The garment covers the torso and legs and is worn over other clothes for protection, warmth, or fashion. Variants include denim overalls, which are common in workwear history, and shortalls, which are shorter versions designed for warm weather. In some regions the term overalls is used broadly for this type of garment, while in others dungarees may be preferred.

In modern usage, overall also appears in contexts like sports, economics, and project evaluation to denote a single, aggregate measure. An overall score or overall ranking combines multiple subcomponents to produce a single conclusion about performance or quality. The word thus functions across grammar, apparel, and evaluative commentary, providing a concise way to summarize or describe totals and general impressions.