What does inundated mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪˈnʌndeɪtɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To be overwhelmed or flooded with a large amount of something, such as requests, messages, or tasks.

Examples

• The company was inundated with job applications after the announcement.
• The social media team was inundated with messages after the celebrity endorsement.

Synonyms

• Overwhelmed
• Flooded
• Deluged

Antonyms

• Uncrowded
• Uncluttered

Additional Information

The term ‘inundated’ is often used to describe situations where someone or something is overwhelmed by a large quantity of something. This can be a physical or metaphorical flood, such as a natural disaster or a sudden increase in demand. The word is derived from the Latin ‘inundare,’ meaning ‘to flood.’ In modern usage, ‘inundated’ is often used in informal contexts, particularly in social media and online discussions.

Inundation can occur in various forms, including physical inundation, such as flooding or landslides, and metaphorical inundation, such as information overload or emotional overwhelm. The concept of inundation is closely related to the idea of overwhelm, which can have negative consequences for individuals and organizations. Understanding and managing inundation is essential in maintaining emotional well-being, productivity, and effectiveness in personal and professional life.

Strategies for coping with inundation include prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and taking regular breaks to recharge. Individuals and organizations can also benefit from implementing efficient systems for managing information and communication, such as filters or automatic responders, to mitigate the impact of inundation. By recognizing and addressing inundation, individuals can maintain a healthy balance between engagement and overwhelm, leading to improved overall well-being.

Eymology

The word ‘inundated’ comes from the Latin ‘inundare,’ meaning ‘to flood.’ The Latin term is derived from ‘in-‘ (meaning ‘in’ or ‘on’) and ‘unda’ (meaning ‘wave’). The word ‘inundate’ entered the English language in the 15th century, initially referring to physical flooding, but later expanding to include metaphorical meanings.

Usage Notes

‘Inundated’ is often used in informal contexts, particularly in social media and online discussions, to describe situations where someone or something is overwhelmed by a large quantity of something. When using ‘inundated’ in formal contexts, such as business or academic writing, consider providing context and specifics to ensure clarity.

Cultural References

The term ‘inundated’ has been used in popular culture, including music and film. In music, songs such as “Inundated” by The National or “Drowned” by Alphaville highlight the concept of emotional overwhelm. In film, scenes of characters struggling to cope with the influx of messages, tasks, or events demonstrate the tangible representation of the word’s meaning.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Buried under work,’ ‘Drowning in responsibilities,’ or ‘Inundated with information’ are examples of idiomatic expressions using ‘inundated.’ These expressions evoke a vivid picture of overwhelm, using visual and emotional elements to emphasize the subject’s struggles.

Related Words or Phrases

• Overwhelm
• Swamped
• Bogged down
• Beset by problems

Collocations

Collocations such as ‘to be inundated with work’ or ‘the news media is being inundated with responses’ reflect the natural fit between the term and actions requiring interaction, labor, or negotiation. Combinations including emotive conditions (sad, frantic) draw particular emotional influence as confluence signposts intensification risk expressions have inter-consigned denum support definitions cognati purpose relation<.

Frequency of Use

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