What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inundated
Example
After the announcement, the customer service team was inundated with calls. [inundated: past participle]
Example
The city was inundated with floodwaters after the heavy rain. [inundated: verb]
swamped
Example
I can't go out tonight, I'm swamped with work. [swamped: adjective]
Example
The boat was swamped by the waves during the storm. [swamped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swamped is more commonly used than inundated in everyday language. Swamped is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inundated is less common and refers to a more severe level of being overwhelmed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inundated and swamped?
Inundated is typically associated with a more formal tone, while swamped is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.