Word
overwhelming
Phoneticsover·whelm·ing
US/ˌoʊvɝˈwɛɫmɪŋ/
UK/ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ/
Definitions
01too much to handle
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes a feeling or situation that is so strong or difficult that you feel you cannot cope with it.
adj. denoting a situation or emotional state that is overpowering or staggering in its intensity, often leading to a sense of being defeated or incapacitated.
“The amount of work I had to do was overwhelming, so I asked for help.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a large majority
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describes a very large amount or a clear majority that cannot be ignored.
adj. referring to a quantity or majority that is so great as to be decisive or irresistible.
日本語:圧倒的※
“There was overwhelming support for the new park in the local community.”
“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'.
Teaching tip
This sense is frequently found in news reports and academic writing to describe election results or scientific proof.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “overwhelming” in context.
Verb
01. become overwhelming
“The noise from the construction site next door quickly became overwhelming for the residents.”
verb + adj
02. feel overwhelming
“Starting a new job in a foreign country can often feel overwhelming at first.”
verb + adj
03. find the task overwhelming
“Many students find the final research task overwhelming without proper guidance from their tutors.”
verb + noun + adj
Adjective
04. overwhelming majority
“An overwhelming majority of the board members voted in favor of the new environmental policy.”
adj + noun
05. absolutely overwhelming
“The support from the local community has been absolutely overwhelming during this difficult time.”
adv + adj
06. overwhelming evidence
“The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence that linked the suspect to the crime scene.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. sense of overwhelming grief
“She was struck by a sudden sense of overwhelming grief as she walked through her childhood home.”
noun + of + adj + noun
08. overwhelming sense
09. overwhelming win
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Her mum is unable to care for her, and everything seems overwhelming – is there any chance she can turn things round?” “And while the people of Clacton did back Farage again, it was no overwhelming victory.” Etymology
By surface analysis, overwhelm + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/overwhelming
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0