overwhelming

Compared meaning: so strong it is hard to resist (adjective).

比较义项：强烈到令人无法抵抗、难以承受（adj.）。

• overwhelming 本词

  Describes a degree or quantity so large it exceeds one's ability to cope, often used for workload, emotions, or forces; neutral-to-negative, about coping capacity rather than attraction or sensory strength.

  形容程度或数量过大，超出承受或应对能力，常用于工作量、情绪或力量等语境，是中性偏负面的整体强度描述，而非强调吸引力或感官刺激。

  The amount of homework felt overwhelming during her first week of school.

  开学第一周，作业量让她感到不堪重负。

• irresistible

  Describes something so attractive or appealing that one has no wish or ability to resist it; almost always a positive connotation, used for temptations, food, charm, or offers.

  形容极具吸引力或感染力，让人不想也无法抗拒，几乎总是正面含义，常用于诱惑、美食、魅力等场景。

  The smell of fresh bread was simply irresistible to us.

  新鲜面包的香味对我们来说简直无法抗拒。

• overpowering

  Describes a physical or sensory force, especially smell or taste, so intense it dominates the senses; usually implies excess and is often unpleasant, unlike an emotional or attractive sense.

  形容气味、味道等感官或体力上的强度极大，往往带有过度、令人难以忍受的负面意味，而非情绪应对能力或吸引力。

  The smell of perfume in the small room was overpowering.

  小房间里的香水味浓烈得让人难以忍受。

Overwhelming, irresistible and overpowering all describe something very strong. Overwhelming means too much to cope with, often workload or emotions. Irresistible means so attractive you cannot resist it, usually a positive sense. Overpowering describes smell or taste so intense it dominates the senses, often unpleasant.

这三个词都形容程度强烈到让人无法抗拒或难以承受，但侧重不同：overwhelming 强调数量或强度大到让人难以应付，多用于工作量、情绪等；irresistible 强调吸引力强到让人不想也无法抗拒，多用于诱惑、魅力等正面语境；overpowering 强调气味、味道等感官或体力上的强烈程度，常带有过度、令人不适的意味。