an overwhelming workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming workload" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where the amount of work is excessively high and difficult to manage. Example: "After the recent project assignment, I found myself facing an overwhelming workload that left me feeling stressed and exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(Immigration-court judges have an overwhelming workload and are often inadequately trained and supervised).

The New Yorker

But to watch him on Thursday, to see him summon his best stuff after an overwhelming workload unmatched in a decade, was to witness pitching greatness.

The New York Times - Sports

Officers were being careless and in many cases lazy and weren't looking at cases as individual women but just as a filing code or an overwhelming workload," Boyle said.

The Guardian

Free schools in effect have carte blanche to clear staff from pay books before long school holidays, rehiring them once the new term begins – despite the fact that most teachers work during these breaks to catch up on vital marking and long-term planning necessitated by an overwhelming workload.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There'd be so much work, an overwhelming workload, but we liked it when it was busy.

Los Angeles Times

But a far more likely outcome is that machine learning will help in-house cyber sleuths deal with an overwhelming workload more effectively and free them up to focus on more strategic objectives.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When you're part of a system that's driven by crisis, finding the space – on top of an already overwhelming workload – is a challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Newly graduated nurses suffer from occupational stress during the transition from school to employment as a result of inadequacy, interpersonal relationships, and the overwhelming workload.

Nurse Education Today

Several nurses we interviewed and talked to informally expressed a feeling of being compelled to prioritize because of the overwhelming workload and limited time.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

When do they sleep, I was thinking, racked with guilt at adding to their already overwhelming workload.

The Guardian

(Community men's FGD) Despite their active efforts to dissociate themselves from feminine and domestic spaces, and increasing uncertainty about their role and influence within the home, men were conscious of the overwhelming workload burden on women.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of a "an overwhelming workload", be specific about the consequences. For example, mention how it affects productivity, employee well-being, or the quality of work.

Common error

Don't use "an overwhelming workload" simply to mean you are busy. The phrase implies a level of work that is difficult to manage and negatively impacts performance or well-being. Use "busy schedule" or "demanding tasks" if the workload is manageable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming workload" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correctly used to describe a substantial and difficult amount of work. Examples show it referring to the burden faced by professionals like nurses and teachers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming workload" is a noun phrase that describes a large and difficult amount of work, often implying negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. While it is considered a rare phrase, understanding its nuances can add precision to your writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the intensity it conveys and ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Be aware of alternatives that might better suit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crushing workload

Emphasizes the oppressive nature of the workload.

a heavy workload

A more general and common way to describe a large workload.

an excessive workload

Highlights that the workload is beyond what is reasonable or acceptable.

an unmanageable workload

Focuses on the difficulty of completing the work.

a demanding workload

Highlights the high level of effort and attention required.

a mountainous workload

Uses a metaphor to convey the large size of the workload.

a tremendous workload

Emphasizes the great size of the workload.

a backbreaking workload

Focuses on the physically and mentally draining nature of the workload.

a staggering workload

Highlights the overwhelming and surprising nature of the workload.

a grueling workload

Emphasizes the exhausting and relentless nature of the workload.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "an overwhelming workload"?

You can use alternatives such as "a crushing workload", "a heavy workload", or "an excessive workload" depending on the context.

How does "an overwhelming workload" differ from a "heavy workload"?

"An overwhelming workload" suggests a more severe and unmanageable amount of work compared to a "heavy workload", implying significant stress and potential negative consequences.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "an overwhelming workload"?

Use it when describing a situation where the amount of work is not only large but also difficult to handle and negatively impacting performance, health, or well-being. For example, "Due to staff shortages, nurses are facing "an overwhelming workload"".

What are the potential consequences of "an overwhelming workload"?

Potential consequences include increased stress, burnout, decreased productivity, errors, and a decline in overall job satisfaction. Addressing "an overwhelming workload" is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment.