overwhelming
- 01 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.
Simple“The amount of work I had to do was overwhelming, so I asked for help.”
In context“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.”
UsageOften used with 'amount of', 'sense of', or 'feeling of'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“There was overwhelming support for the new park in the local community.”
In context“Despite the controversy, the motion passed with an overwhelming majority, reflecting a clear mandate for structural reform within the organisation.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'majority', 'evidence', or 'support'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is frequently found in news reports and academic writing to describe election results or scientific proof.
Usage overwhelming sense · overwhelming majority · overwhelming win
“In a statement, the Reform leader said: "The verdict is now in, and it is a convincing, overwhelming win, with more votes than we got in the general election of 2024.”
“When someone is rescued alive, there is this incredible rush of energy – this overwhelming sense of humanity.”
By surface analysis, overwhelm + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.