'overstaffed' originates from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessive' and the word 'staff,' which comes from Old English 'stæf,' meaning 'a stick or rod used as a support or weapon.'

'overstaff' changed from the combination of 'over-' and 'staff' to form the adjective 'overstaffed,' indicating an excessive number of staff.

Initially, it meant 'having more staff than needed,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.