overmatched
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈmæʧt/
KK: /oʊvərˈmætʃt/
adjective
Definition
Describes someone or something that is unable to compete effectively against a stronger opponent or force.
Example
The team felt overmatched in the championship game against the defending champions.
Conversation
Did you see the last game? The team was totally overmatched by their opponents.
Yeah, it was tough to watch. They just couldn't keep up.
I really thought they had a chance, but they looked so overmatched out there.
Definitely! Hopefully, they can learn from it and improve next time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
outclassed
overpowered
outmatched
Antonyms
equal
matched
competent
verb
Definition
To be defeated or outperformed by someone or something that is stronger or better.
Example
The team was overmatched in the championship game against the defending champions.
Tense Forms
Past: overmatched
Past Participle: overmatched
Conversation
Did you see the game last night?
Yeah, the other team really overmatched ours.
I thought we had a chance, but they were just too good.
Root Explanation
Overmatched → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or beyond) and "matched" (from Old English "gemæcca", meaning to make equal or to pair). The word "overmatched" means to be excessively matched or to be at a disadvantage against a stronger opponent.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'beyond' ('over-') what you can handle in a match — that's why overmatched means being at a disadvantage.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.