overload

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overload" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or overwhelming amount of something. For example: Her plate was overloaded with food, so she had to take some off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Technology

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a difficult thing to get right, though … if you overload a soap with good messages, you'd kill it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was subjected to "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation, a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

It can act as a gateway to your smartphone allowing you to reduce notification overload, and just let the important ones or people through.

The Guardian - Tech

Though much has improved in 60 years, we don't seem much happier after all, says the CIPD, not least because work-related stress, new technologies and consequent information overload (you're reading an example here, perhaps you should stop!).

The Guardian

Oleg Kozhemyako, the acting governor of Sakhalin island, where the ship was based, told LifeNews television that he thought "there was a violation of rules when it comes to overload and balancing of the vessel".

The Guardian

By working one leg, we can overload it and make it stronger, but we can also get the technique right by working in a big gear.

The Guardian - Sport

I told him that football's completely different and warned him about training overload.

The Guardian - Sport

· Don't overload your car - you can be fined both in Britain and France for this.

The Guardian - Travel

This included "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

The Ukip leadership has moved to distance the party from remarks by one of its councillors claiming an "overload" of immigrants had turned Britain into a racist country.

The Guardian

"It hasn't been staggered; it's just overload.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overload", consider the specific context to ensure clarity. For instance, differentiate between "information overload" and "electrical overload" for precise communication.

Common error

Avoid using "overload" when a simpler term like "burden" or "excess" would suffice. Overusing "overload" can make your writing sound unnecessarily technical or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The word "overload" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the act of exceeding a capacity. As a noun, it refers to the state of being beyond capacity or an excessive load. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "overload" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting an excessive amount or burden. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While the term is versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse. Related phrases like "overburden" and "overwhelm" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember, "overload" describes exceeding a capacity, so ensure your usage reflects this meaning. Top sources include The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overburden

Focuses on the excessive burden placed on someone or something.

overwhelm

Emphasizes the feeling of being inundated or overpowered.

surcharge

Implies an additional load or charge, often financial.

glut

Refers to an excessive supply of something.

excess

Highlights the state of being beyond what is necessary or normal.

inundate

Suggests being flooded with a large quantity of something.

overtax

Implies straining something beyond its capacity.

bog down

Focuses on being slowed down or hindered by excessive accumulation.

clog

Describes a blockage caused by an excessive amount of something.

overrun

Suggests that an entity is exceeded or overcome by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "overload" in a sentence?

You can use "overload" to describe situations where there is an excessive amount of something. For example, "The system experienced an "information overload"" or "Don't "overload your car"".

What are some synonyms for "overload"?

Alternatives for "overload" include "overburden", "overwhelm", "surcharge", and "inundate", each carrying slightly different nuances depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sensory overload"?

Yes, "sensory overload" is a correct and commonly used term to describe a state where the senses are overwhelmed by excessive stimulation.

What's the difference between "overload" and "overburden"?

"Overload" often refers to exceeding a capacity or limit, while "overburden" specifically implies placing an excessive weight or responsibility on someone or something. You might experience "information overload", but be "overburdened" with responsibilities.