Definitionv1
Dimensional overload: the failure mode of creating so many
Dimensional overload: the failure mode of creating so many cross-cutting categories that the classification system becomes more complex than the collection it organizes, with maintenance cost exceeding retrieval benefit
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes 'dimensional overload' as a classification failure mode, identifies its genus (classification system problem), and specifies its differentia (excessive dimensions, maintenance cost exceeding benefit). It provides a clear semantic boundary for understanding when classification systems become counterproductive.