# overcome

/ˈoʊvɝˌkəm/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəkˈʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overcome
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to solve a problem

verb · CEFR B2

to successfully deal with a difficult situation or problem.

For teachers: to surmount or prevail over a physical or abstract obstacle. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- She had to overcome many challenges to finish her university degree while working.
- The startup eventually managed to overcome its initial funding shortfall by securing a series of private investments from local angel groups.

### 2. to defeat an opponent

verb · CEFR B2

to defeat someone in a competition, fight, or war.

For teachers: to prevail over an adversary in a contest, battle, or struggle.

- The team worked together to overcome their rivals in the final minutes of the game.
- Historical accounts suggest the smaller army was able to overcome the invaders through superior knowledge of the mountainous terrain.

### 3. overwhelmed by emotion

adjective · CEFR B2

to be so affected by a strong emotion that you cannot act or speak normally.

For teachers: to be overwhelmed or incapacitated by a powerful emotional state or physical condition. Often used in the passive voice with 'by' or 'with'.

- He was overcome with grief when he heard the sad news.
- The witness was so overcome by emotion that the judge had to call for a brief recess to allow her to recover her composure.

## Examples

- She worked hard to overcome her fear of public speaking.
- The small startup had to overcome significant financial hurdles before it finally became profitable last year.
- To achieve lasting peace, both nations must overcome decades of mutual distrust and historical grievances that continue to stall diplomatic progress.

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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.