overcome obstacles — get past problems
collocationB2IELTS 5.5+neutralcommon
To successfully deal with difficulties or challenges so they do not stop you from achieving something.
Say it like a native
Textbook She succeeded in surmounting numerous impediments.
Native She overcame a lot of obstacles.
'Surmount impediments' is literary/very formal; 'overcome obstacles' is the natural pairing.
Pattern: overcome obstacles
In use
- She had to overcome many obstacles before starting her own business.daily life
- In my opinion, people who overcome obstacles in life become stronger and more confident.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She overcomed many problems.
✓ She overcame many problems.
Irregular: overcome / overcame / overcome — never 'overcomed'.
Common collocations
overcome obstacles— overcome obstacles, overcome difficulties, overcome a fear, overcome challenges
Don't confuse it
Different from 'avoid obstacles,' which means not facing the problem directly.