# overshadow

/ˈoʊvɝˈʃædoʊ/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəʃˈædəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overshadow
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to make less significant

verb · CEFR B2

to make someone or something seem less important or successful because you are much better or more famous.

For teachers: to surpass or eclipse in importance, success, or reputation, thereby making the other party appear insignificant by comparison.

- The younger sister's success in sports began to overshadow her brother's academic achievements.
- The news of the sudden economic crisis completely overshadowed the prime minister's announcement regarding the new environmental policy.

Usage: This is the most common figurative use, typically taking a person or an event as the direct object.

### 2. to cast a shadow

verb · CEFR B2

to block the light and cast a shadow over a place or object.

For teachers: to cast a shadow over an area or object, physically obscuring it from light.

- The tall skyscrapers overshadow the small park, keeping it in the dark all afternoon.
- A massive oak tree overshadowed the cottage, providing a cool refuge during the peak of the summer heat.

### 3. to make sad or worried

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to make a situation less happy by adding a feeling of sadness or worry.

For teachers: to cast a gloom over a situation or event; to mar an occasion with negative associations or anxiety.

- The memory of the accident continued to overshadow their family gatherings for years.
- The threat of impending layoffs overshadowed the annual holiday party, leaving the staff unable to truly celebrate their recent wins.

## Examples

- The bad news will overshadow the good results.
- The success of the new movie overshadowed the director's previous failures, making him a household name.
- While the technical achievements of the project were significant, the ethical concerns raised by the researchers overshadowed the scientific breakthroughs in the public eye.

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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.