English Reference
Verb

overcame

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈoʊvɝˈkeɪm/ UK /ˌəʊvəkˈeɪm/ over·came

v.successfully dealt with a difficult situation or feeling. It is the past tense of 'overcome'.

v.past tense of 'overcome'; refers to having successfully dealt with or gained control over a problem, obstacle, or emotion.


SIMPLE

She overcame her fear of heights and climbed the mountain.

CONTEXTUAL

The team overcame a three-goal deficit in the final minutes of the match to secure a victory.

COMPLEX

Having faced significant systemic barriers throughout her early career, she eventually overcame these challenges to become a leading voice in her field of research.

Usage

The past tense form of 'overcome'. It is transitive and requires a direct object.

Pitfall
He has overcame many obstacles.He has overcome many obstacles.

Learners often confuse the past tense 'overcame' with the past participle 'overcome' when using the present perfect tense.

Aberdeen overcame Dundee 3-0 at Pittodrie on Saturday, Ross County beat Dunfermline 2-1, while Celtic trounced Dundee United 4-0 at Tannadice.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated