overwhelmed

American  

[oh-ver-hwelmd, -welmd] / ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛlmd, -ˈwɛlmd /

adjective

1. completely overcome in mind or feeling.

   She told the overwhelmed and sobbing mother she would take care of all medical expenses.

2. loaded, filled, or addressed with an excessive amount of anything.

   Over 100 dogs were transported to other parts of the state from overwhelmed animal shelters on the coast.

3. overpowered or crushed, as by superior forces.

   The aim of the coalition's operation was to stop the dictator and his army from attacking already overwhelmed rebel troops.

---

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of overwhelm.

Other Word Forms

• unoverwhelmed adjective

Etymology

Origin of overwhelmed

overwhelm ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

All this is to say that I feel pressured by my husband’s diagnosis, I am running out of time — and overwhelmed trying to plan an extended trip while also considering the costs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The flames grew “exponentially” and quickly overwhelmed firefighters who rushed in to extinguish the blaze, forcing them to retreat, Wedell said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

To keep you from getting overwhelmed, The Wall Street Journal asked Govan for a guide to 10 must-see pieces, including a few recent additions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Heavy users of artificial intelligence report being overwhelmed by trying to keep up with and on top of the technology designed to make their lives easier.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

I was bursting with relief, too overwhelmed to say anything.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• affected
• devastated
• moved
• overpowered