C1adjective 2K

Overwhelming

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌəʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Overwhelming

very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react

In simple words: Too much to handle or deal with.

Overwhelming in a sentence

• The evidence against him was overwhelming.
• The **overwhelming majority** of those present were in favour of the plan.
• an **overwhelming sense of** loss
• She had the almost overwhelming desire to tell him the truth.
• You may find it somewhat overwhelming at first.
• There was overwhelming support for our policies.
• The urge to look was almost overwhelming.
• seemingly overwhelming obstacles

How to use Overwhelming

Use 'overwhelming' to describe emotions or situations that are too intense. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but can sound dramatic if used too often.

Grammar pattern

overwhelming + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'over a mountain of feelings' – too much to manage!

Related words

Collocations with Overwhelming

• be
• seem
• become
• completely
• quite
• almost

Synonyms for Overwhelming

• intense
• staggering
• overpowering
• unbearable
• immense

Opposites of Overwhelming

• simple
• manageable
• light

Common mistakes with Overwhelming

• Mixing up with 'whelming', which is rarely used.
• Using it inappropriately for everyday situations like 'overwhelming coffee'.
• Confusing with 'overwhelm' when used as an adjective.

Frequently asked questions about Overwhelming

What does Overwhelming mean?

Too much to handle or deal with.

What is the definition of Overwhelming?

very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react

How do you use Overwhelming in a sentence?

The evidence against him was overwhelming.

Can you give another example of Overwhelming?

The **overwhelming majority** of those present were in favour of the plan.

What are synonyms for Overwhelming?

Common alternatives include intense, staggering, overpowering, unbearable, immense.

What is the opposite of Overwhelming?

Opposite meanings include simple, manageable, light.

What words go with Overwhelming?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, become, completely, quite, almost.

What are common mistakes when using Overwhelming?

Mixing up with 'whelming', which is rarely used. Using it inappropriately for everyday situations like 'overwhelming coffee'. Confusing with 'overwhelm' when used as an adjective.

How do you pronounce Overwhelming?

US: /["/ˌəʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Overwhelming?

Use 'overwhelming' to describe emotions or situations that are too intense. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but can sound dramatic if used too often.

What CEFR level is Overwhelming?

"Overwhelming" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.