B2verb 5K

Overcome

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌəʊvərˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvərˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Overcome

to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving something

In simple words: To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

Overcome in a sentence

• She managed to overcome her fear of flying after taking several lessons.
• They worked hard to overcome the challenges of the project.
• The team was able to overcome the opposing side in the final minutes of the game.
• He tried to overcome the technical difficulties by consulting an expert.
• She was overcome with emotion when she received the unexpected award.
• During the long hike, he was overcome by exhaustion and had to rest.
• The town was overcome by floodwaters after the heavy rain.

How to use Overcome

Use 'overcome' in contexts where you talk about facing and defeating challenges. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English, but may sound a bit more formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

overcome + object

Memory hint

Think of 'over' as climbing over a wall—imagine overcoming hurdles.

Related words

Collocations with Overcome

• completely
• successfully
• not entirely
• be able to
• help (to)
• help somebody (to)
• an attempt to overcome something
• completely
• successfully
• not entirely
• be able to
• help (to)
• help somebody (to)
• an attempt to overcome something
• completely
• quite
• almost
• by
• with

Synonyms for Overcome

• overwhelm

Opposites of Overcome

• succumb
• yield
• surrender

Common mistakes with Overcome

• Using 'overcome' without an object (e.g. 'I will overcome' should specify what).
• Confusing 'overcome' with 'overcame', which is the past tense.
• Mistaking 'overcome' for 'overlook', which means to miss something.

Frequently asked questions about Overcome

What does Overcome mean?

To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

What is the definition of Overcome?

to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving something

How do you use Overcome in a sentence?

She managed to overcome her fear of flying after taking several lessons.

Can you give another example of Overcome?

They worked hard to overcome the challenges of the project.

What are synonyms for Overcome?

Common alternatives include overwhelm.

What is the opposite of Overcome?

Opposite meanings include succumb, yield, surrender.

What words go with Overcome?

It commonly pairs with completely, successfully, not entirely, be able to, help (to), help somebody (to), an attempt to overcome something, completely, successfully, not entirely, be able to, help (to), help somebody (to), an attempt to overcome something, completely, quite, almost, by, with.

What are common mistakes when using Overcome?

Using 'overcome' without an object (e.g. 'I will overcome' should specify what). Confusing 'overcome' with 'overcame', which is the past tense. Mistaking 'overcome' for 'overlook', which means to miss something.

How do you pronounce Overcome?

US: /["/ˌəʊvərˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvərˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Overcome?

Use 'overcome' in contexts where you talk about facing and defeating challenges. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English, but may sound a bit more formal in everyday conversation.

What CEFR level is Overcome?

"Overcome" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.