# overwhelming

/ˌoʊvɝˈwɛɫmɪŋ/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overwhelming
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. too much to handle

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. a large majority

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- 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.

## Examples

- The amount of work I have is overwhelming.
- The response to the charity appeal was overwhelming, with thousands of people offering to volunteer their time.
- Faced with overwhelming evidence of the defendant's guilt, the jury returned a unanimous verdict in less than two hours.

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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.