Inundation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe an overwhelming abundance of things, such as water, information, or tasks.

• The small town struggled to recover from the inundation after the dam broke.
• After the major announcement, we experienced an inundation of customer inquiries.

Commonly used to describe an overflow of water onto typically dry land. Also used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something.

• The river overflowed its banks, causing a massive flood in the region.
• We experienced a flood of emotions during the heartfelt reunion.

Often implies a severe and sudden overwhelming flood of water. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a large amount of something arriving at once.

• The deluge caused by the relentless rain destroyed the crops.
• She received a deluge of emails after the product launch.

Describes the spilling over of a liquid or the excess of something that exceeds capacity. It is usually more controlled compared to 'flood'.

• She quickly turned off the tap to prevent the bathtub from overflowing.
• The stadium could not accommodate the overflow of fans who wanted to attend the concert.

Typically used in formal contexts to describe a situation where an area is covered with water, often due to natural disasters, such as heavy rains or dam failures.

• The village experienced an inundation after the dam broke.
• The fields were destroyed by the recent inundation.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe an overflow of water that submerges land. Can also be used metaphorically to refer to an overwhelming influx of things or people.

• The river's banks couldn't hold, resulting in a flood.
• There was a flood of applications for the position.

Often used to describe a large amount of water or rain falling in a short period, leading to severe flooding. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming quantity of something.

• The city was hit by a deluge, causing severe damage.
• She received a deluge of emails after the announcement.

Used to describe a situation where liquid spills over the edges of a container or area, less severe than 'flood.' Can also be used metaphorically to describe an excess of something.

• The bathtub overflow left the bathroom floor soaked.
• Her joy overflowed, evident to everyone around.