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.

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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

She submitted her application in July, hoping to get started before demand overwhelmed the workforce, but didn’t get her building permit until January.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Seafarers' helplines say they are overwhelmed with messages from crews stuck in the Gulf by the Middle East war, desperately seeking repatriation, compensation and onboard supplies.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Seeing a dog, even outside, makes her overwhelmed by fear and struggle to think, and she will put herself in harm's way to avoid being near it.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

In 2013, a sudden surge in Amazon orders overwhelmed United Parcel Service causing some packages to not make it in time for Christmas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

It’s just that, sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by all the work Tūtū and I have to do.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• affected
• devastated
• moved
• overpowered