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

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

For students and parents overwhelmed by these complicated systems, Zhang offered clarity.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Tellingly, though, the moment has very little to do with her characters, which are yet again overwhelmed by her grandiose ideas.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The first several times I had gone to the White City, I had been awed and overwhelmed by its beauty.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• affected
• devastated
• moved
• overpowered