What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engulfment
Example
The small village was in danger of engulfment by the rising floodwaters. [engulfment: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of engulfment as she struggled to cope with the demands of her new job. [engulfment: noun]
inundation
Example
The city was hit by an inundation of rain that caused widespread flooding. [inundation: noun]
Example
After the announcement, the company was inundated with requests for more information. [inundated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inundation is more commonly used than engulfment in everyday language. Inundation is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while engulfment is less common and often used in a figurative sense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engulfment and inundation?
Both engulfment and inundation are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts.