What does "overwhelming" mean?

1. (too much to handle) describes a feeling or situation that is so strong or difficult that you feel you cannot cope with it. 2. (a large majority) describes a very large amount or a clear majority that cannot be ignored.

How do you use "overwhelming"?

Often used with 'amount of', 'sense of', or 'feeling of'. Commonly collocates with 'majority', 'evidence', or 'support'.

overwhelming

adj.

US //ˌoʊvɝˈwɛɫmɪŋ// UK //ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ// over·whelm·ing

1 too much to handle (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describes a feeling or situation that is so strong or difficult that you feel you cannot cope with it.

denoting a situation or emotional state that is overpowering or staggering in its intensity, often leading to a sense of being defeated or incapacitated.

Example

The amount of work I had to do was overwhelming, so I asked for help.

Example

The sheer volume of data presented in the report was overwhelming, making it difficult for the board to reach a consensus by the end of the session.

Usage

Often used with 'amount of', 'sense of', or 'feeling of'.
- manageable
- slight
2 a large majority (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

describes a very large amount or a clear majority that cannot be ignored.

referring to a quantity or majority that is so great as to be decisive or irresistible.

Example

There was overwhelming support for the new park in the local community.

Example

Despite the controversy, the motion passed with an overwhelming majority, reflecting a clear mandate for structural reform within the organisation.

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'majority', 'evidence', or 'support'.

Teacher's tip

This sense is frequently found in news reports and academic writing to describe election results or scientific proof.
- marginal
- minor

Origin

By surface analysis, overwhelm + -ing.

Word family

Adjectiveoverwhelming
Adverboverwhelmingly