The viscoplasticity theory based on overstress, one of the unified state variable theories, is generalized to model zero (no influence of loading rate) and negative (flow stress decreases with loading rate) as well as positive (flow stress increases with loading rate) rate sensitivity in a consistent way. On the basis of the long-time asymptotic solution the different types of rate sensitivity are classified with respect to an augmentation function that is introduced in the evolution law fur a state variable equilibrium stress. The theory predicts normal relaxation and creep behaviors even if unusual rate sensitivity is modeled. The constitutive model fir the behavior of a modified 9Cr-1 Mo steel at various temperatures is then compared with experimental data found in the literature.