English · Emotions & Feelings
overwhelmed
/ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/
[/ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/]
unable to cope
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Feeling unable to deal with the amount or intensity of something.
Example
She felt completely overwhelmed by the flood of emails waiting after her two-week holiday.
She felt completely overwhelmed by the flood of emails waiting after her two-week holiday.
Etymology
From 'overwhelm', from 'over' plus Middle English 'whelmen' (to turn over).
How & Where It’s Used
Describes being swamped by emotion, work, or responsibility.