unwiderstehlich
irresistible
So attractive, tempting, or charming that one cannot resist.
EXAMPLE
Das Schokoladendessert sah einfach unwiderstehlich aus.
The chocolate dessert looked simply irresistible.
unwiderstehlich
irresistible
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Meanings
unwiderstehlich
irresistible
A force, urge, or development that is so strong it cannot be stopped.
EXAMPLE
Er verspürte den unwiderstehlichen Drang, sofort nach Hause zu fahren.
He felt the irresistible urge to drive home immediately.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is built logically: the prefix 'un-' means 'not,' the verb 'widerstehen' means to resist or stand against something, and the ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective. Literally, it therefore means 'not to be resisted.'
EXAMPLE
Er konnte dem unwiderstehlichen Angebot nicht widerstehen.
He could not resist the irresistible offer.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'tempting,' the adjective is often combined with things that appeal to the senses or desires. Typical examples are: 'ein unwiderstehliches Lächeln' (an irresistible smile), 'ein unwiderstehlicher Duft' (an irresistible scent), 'ein unwiderstehliches Angebot' (an irresistible offer).
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte einen unwiderstehlichen Charme.
She had an irresistible charm.
Typical collocations
When it describes a force that 'cannot be stopped,' it often appears with abstract nouns that refer to an inner impulse or an external power. Typical examples are: 'ein unwiderstehlicher Drang' (an irresistible urge), 'ein unwiderstehlicher Wunsch' (an irresistible desire), 'eine unwiderstehliche Kraft' (an irresistible force).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte den unwiderstehlichen Wunsch, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He had the irresistible desire to tell the truth.
Compare with
unwiderstehlich vs unaufhaltsam
unstoppable
Unaufhaltsam describes a movement or development whose course cannot be stopped. Unwiderstehlich can be used similarly in this context, but it emphasizes more strongly the overwhelming force or powerful drive that cannot be effectively resisted.
unwiderstehlich
Das Hochwasser entwickelte eine unwiderstehliche Kraft gegen die Schutzwände.
The floodwaters developed an irresistible force against the flood barriers.
unaufhaltsam
Trotz aller Schutzwände breitete sich das Hochwasser unaufhaltsam aus.
Despite all the flood barriers, the floodwaters spread unstoppably.
In real life
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