B2verb5K

Overcome

UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvəˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌəʊvərˈkʌm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmz/","/ˌəʊvərˈkeɪm/","/ˌəʊvərˈkʌmɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • overwhelm

Antonyms

  • succumb
  • yield
  • surrender

Common mistakes

  • 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.