overpowering / overwhelming
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overpowering
So strong, large, or influential that one cannot defend oneself against it or prevail over it.
Die kleine Rebellengruppe stand einem übermächtigen Gegner gegenüber.
The small rebel group faced an overpowering opponent.
The word is made up of the prefix 'über-' and the adjective 'mächtig' (powerful). Here, 'über-' intensifies the meaning and means 'too much' or 'extremely', so 'extremely powerful'.
Die kleine Firma konnte gegen die übermächtige Konkurrenz nicht bestehen.
The small company could not hold its own against the overpowering competition.
The noun that 'übermächtig' (overpowering/overwhelming) describes reveals the meaning. If it refers to an external force such as 'Gegner' (opponent) or 'Konkurrenz' (competition), it is about strength. If it refers to an inner sensation such as 'Gefühl' (feeling) or 'Wunsch' (wish), it is about intensity.
Die Armee stand einem übermächtigen Feind gegenüber.
The army faced an overpowering enemy.
When referring to feelings, 'übermächtig' (overwhelming) is often combined with nouns such as 'Gefühl' (feeling), 'Wunsch' (wish), 'Drang' (urge), 'Verlangen' (desire), or 'Müdigkeit' (tiredness).
Nach der langen Wanderung überfiel ihn eine übermächtige Müdigkeit.
After the long hike, overwhelming tiredness came over him.
to consider
'überlegen' and 'übermächtig' can both describe one side being stronger than another. 'überlegen' usually means that someone is better, stronger, or at an advantage in comparison. 'übermächtig' is much stronger: the other side is so strong or influential that you hardly have a chance. Learners may confuse the words because both describe an advantage. The difference lies in the degree of strength. 'überlegen' can still be a normal comparison, while 'übermächtig' suggests an opponent or influence that is almost impossible to defeat.
Der Gegner war übermächtig, deshalb konnte unser Team kaum angreifen.
The opponent was overpowering, so our team could hardly attack.
Beim Schach war Lisa ihrem Bruder heute klar überlegen.
In chess, Lisa was clearly superior to her brother today.