overmatched

USAGE SUMMARY

"overmatched" is a word that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is outclassed or overpowered by someone or something else. For example: "The rookie pitcher was completely overmatched by the veteran slugger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though Klinsmann was without the likes of Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez, there was little indication in the early stages that the US would be overmatched by the side that finished third in last year's World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

In contrast, Thomas Frank's analytical abilities are overmatched by his truly extraordinary rhetorical gifts.

The Economist

But once they became the mothers of sons, they soon matched, and overmatched, their husbands.

The Economist

He put England's pack to shame 7 Matt Banahan (centre) Overmatched against O'Driscoll.

Independent

"When your commanders quit, why should the soldiers fight?" It was clear, he said, that the locals sympathized with ISIS, and that his own Army was overmatched.

The New Yorker

The Ukrainian troops in Crimea were surprised and overmatched by a well-trained, well-coördinated, and initially well-disguised Russian force, and they had highly ambiguous orders — certainly not orders to fight.

The New Yorker

What actually materialized that Fourth of July was the equivalent of a couple of frat parties on steroids — an unseemly exhibition of drunken, uncouth behavior, perpetrated by a gathering of out-of-town motorcyclists who temporarily had the constabularies overmatched but who in the end paid their traffic fines and did their brief time in the pokey.

The New Yorker

Yet he has not, as Devils fans know, been an exceptional playoff goalie, the kind who steals batches of games in which his team appears obviously overmatched.

The New Yorker

Carey Mulligan, though a fine actress, is simply overmatched by the part of Daisy Buchanan; she doesn't invest the character with style or with substance, doesn't have a sufficiently high-handed irony or sense of intimate secrecy.

The New Yorker

In the end, he was overmatched: he didn't have the temperament — he was too absorbed by the fascinations of his own depression and self-loathing — to sustain the necessary devotion.

The New Yorker

T. Miller who is rambunctious and hard-nosed and smart and spent a part of the season with the team but, at just twenty years old, was clearly overmatched.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overmatched" when you want to emphasize that a team or individual is significantly weaker or less skilled than their opponent.

Common error

Avoid using "overmatched" to describe situations where the difference in skill or resources is minimal. This word implies a significant imbalance, not a slight disadvantage.

Linguistic Context

The word "overmatched" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a noun that lacks the skill or resources to compete effectively. As Ludwig indicates, it portrays a state of being outclassed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overmatched" is an adjective used to describe someone or something at a distinct disadvantage, often lacking the ability to compete effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used term. The word is particularly prevalent in News & Media sources and its purpose is to emphasize a significant disparity in ability or resources. While "overmatched" is a versatile term, avoid using it in situations where the difference in ability is minimal. Remember to use alternatives like "outclassed" or "unequally matched" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outclassed

Implies a clear difference in skill or ability, resulting in one party being superior.

outgunned

Suggests a disadvantage in terms of resources or capabilities.

unequally matched

Highlights the disparity between opponents, emphasizing the lack of balance.

overpowered

Focuses on the superior strength or force of one entity over another.

outmatched

A synonym that describes being beaten or surpassed.

unable to compete

States directly the inability to effectively participate or contend.

at a disadvantage

Indicates a less favorable position or circumstance compared to an opponent.

no match for

Emphasizes the lack of comparability or suitability against a stronger opponent.

outmaneuvered

Suggests a defeat or disadvantage due to superior strategy or tactics.

second-best

Highlights the position of inferiority compared to the superior entity.

FAQs

How is the word "overmatched" typically used in a sentence?

The word "overmatched" is often used to describe a situation where one side of a competition or conflict is significantly weaker or less skilled than the other. For example, "The team was completely overmatched by their opponents".

What are some alternatives to using the word "overmatched"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "outclassed", "outgunned", or "unequally matched".

Is it correct to say someone is "overmatched for" a task?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common to say someone is "overmatched by" an opponent or situation. Using "overmatched for" might sound slightly awkward in standard English.

What does it mean when someone is described as "overmatched"?

When someone is described as "overmatched", it means they are facing an opponent or challenge that is significantly beyond their capabilities, resulting in a clear disadvantage.