Words / B2

ohv-uh-KUM/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/

To overcome is to succeed against a difficulty, fear, or disadvantage: you overcome obstacles / resistance / a habit, not usually a sports opponent (defeat or beat). It stresses the process of dealing with something in the way. Overcame / overcome are the past forms; in academic writing you also overcome limitations.

Meaning

To succeed in dealing with a problem or fear.

Examples

• “She overcame her fear of speaking in public.”
• “They overcame several technical problems.”
• “It took months to overcome the injury.”

Good to know

overcome a fear / obstacle / difficulty. Past: overcame, overcome.

Near in meaning

conquer

New