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

Consulates are overwhelmed, according to some diplomats, with so many Mexican nationals facing deportation — or worse fates.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While most of the coding issues may be minor, their sheer volume has amplified the risk that smaller software developers will become overwhelmed with reports of bugs such as the one Mythos found.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

She added: "I just realised I was completely overwhelmed from trying to do both."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

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

I started, feeling completely overwhelmed by everything Teresita had said.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

• affected
• devastated
• moved
• overpowered