# overloaded

/ˈoʊvɝˌɫoʊdɪd/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəlˈəʊdɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overloaded
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

having too much of something to handle at once. You use this when a person has too much work or when a machine has too much power or data.

For teachers: burdened with an excessive amount of something, such as work, responsibility, or data. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'become'.

## Examples

- The electrical circuit is overloaded and might blow a fuse.
- The server became overloaded during the holiday sale because too many customers tried to access the site at once.
- Managers must ensure that junior staff do not feel overloaded with administrative tasks that detract from their primary research responsibilities.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am very overload with work" but "I am very overloaded with work" — Learners often use the base verb 'overload' when they need the participial adjective 'overloaded' to describe their state.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or modifies a noun to describe a state of excess.

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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.