overwhelmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overwhelmed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of being overburdened by a task or situation. For example: "I was overwhelmed with the number of assignments I had to complete in a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kuether told Guardian Australia she was overwhelmed with relief at the news, which came a day before her case was due back in the Brisbane magistrates court.

The Guardian

She confessed to the feelings of rage and helplessness that overwhelmed her as she gazed down up on the blood-soaked body of Angela.

The Guardian

"The Ebola epidemic in western Africa overwhelmed fragile health systems, killed thousands of people, and highlighted major inadequacies in our ability to respond to global public health emergencies," said Amy Gutmann, the commission chair.

The Guardian

The global financial industry is overwhelmed with fear at what they've done.

The Guardian - Tech

When I came out as gay the sort of hysteria that has since overwhelmed my country was unthinkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

And just in time, before I am entirely overwhelmed by melancholy courtesy of the Wogan all-time favourite playlist, he plays an unbeat one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Scotland's once-dominant centre-left party, observed the then Scottish Labour leader, Jim Murphy, had been "overwhelmed by history and circumstance".

The Guardian

With economic decay, war, persecution and unemployment gripping at least a dozen countries on Europe's southern rim, the surge of migration north has overwhelmed authorities in Europe, which has struggled to articulate a single coherent policy and, say critics, played into the hands of unscrupulous people traffickers.

The Guardian

I was travelling in Southeast Asia and was overwhelmed by the poverty there.

The Guardian

DH Lawrence perhaps recognised a similar sensation when, in his semi-autobiographical novel, Kangaroo (1923), Lovat – the pseudonym the author used for the book, commented upon a night-time walk in the outback, and felt overwhelmed by its peculiar vibe the land gave off.

The Guardian - Film

"We've been overwhelmed by the response, which has come from supporters of clubs all over the country, and even some from abroad.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. "Overwhelmed" suggests a strong emotional or mental burden, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelmed" as a generic descriptor. Without specific context, it can sound vague and unconvincing. Instead, provide details about the source of the feeling to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The word "overwhelmed" functions primarily as a past participle or adjective, describing a state of being overpowered emotionally or mentally. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to describe individuals, systems, and even abstract concepts being overtaken by something significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Tech

4%

Books

2%

Education

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "overwhelmed" is a versatile descriptor indicating a state of being emotionally, mentally, or physically burdened beyond one's capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that "overwhelmed" is frequently encountered in News & Media, describing situations where individuals, systems, or organizations are struggling to cope with excessive demands or challenges. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify the source of the feeling. Alternatives like "inundated" or "burdened" can provide nuanced expression. Understanding the contexts and nuances of "overwhelmed" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling overcome

Highlights the emotional aspect of being defeated or deeply moved.

feeling snowed under

Conveys the image of being buried under a large amount of work or responsibilities.

feeling inundated

Emphasizes the experience of being flooded with too much to handle.

feeling overpowered

Focuses on being dominated by external forces or circumstances.

feeling burdened

Focuses on the sense of being weighed down by responsibilities or tasks.

feeling bogged down

Highlights the sensation of being stuck or unable to progress due to excessive demands.

feeling burdened beyond capacity

Emphasizes the limitations of what one can handle, suggesting an overload.

feeling defeated

Suggests a loss of control or the inability to cope with a situation.

feeling crushed

Suggests a strong negative emotional impact, like being broken down by pressure.

feeling stressed out

Captures the feeling of being under pressure and experiencing anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelmed" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelmed" to describe a feeling of being burdened or overcome by something. For example, "I was "overwhelmed" by the support I received".

What are some synonyms for "overwhelmed"?

Some synonyms for "overwhelmed" include "inundated", "burdened", and "overcome". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I am overwhelming" instead of "I am overwhelmed"?

No, "I am overwhelming" means you are causing someone else to feel overwhelmed. "I am overwhelmed" is the correct way to express that you are experiencing the feeling.

What's the difference between "overwhelmed" and "stressed"?

"Overwhelmed" implies a feeling of being completely overcome or buried by something, while "stressed" suggests a state of mental or emotional strain. You might feel "stressed" by a difficult task, but "overwhelmed" when you have too many tasks to handle.