# bloated

/ˈbɫoʊtɪd/ (US) · /blˈəʊtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bloated
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

swollen or enlarged, often in an unpleasant way. You use this to describe a stomach that feels full and tight, or a text that has too many unnecessary words.

For teachers: swollen or distended, typically implying an unhealthy or excessive fullness. In computing and writing, it describes systems or texts that are overburdened with unnecessary elements. Often used predicatively after linking verbs.

## Examples

- My stomach feels bloated after that heavy meal.
- The software update made the app bloated and slow to load.
- Critics argued that the novel was bloated with digressions that obscured the central narrative thread.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively (e.g., 'I feel bloated') rather than attributively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.